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Sports

Young High Ridge Skaters Named to the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships Sweeper Team

Hannah Fister and Ella Speeler were chosen to represent the St Louis region

The St. Louis Sports Commission, the local organizing committee for the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships, is pleased to announce the local skaters who have been selected to be ice sweeper volunteers at the Championships in January.

Sweepers are young skaters (aged 8-14) who will collect the stuffed animals and soft gifts thrown on the ice after a skater’s performance during the five-day event. More than 50 skaters from the St. Louis region were chosen for their skating ability, personality, and positive attitude. The volunteer sweeper positions are considered a privilege and honor for young skaters as they are able to share the ice with the best of the best on the biggest and brightest stage in figure skating.

Representing five regional skating clubs, the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships Sweeper Team includes High Ridge residents Hannah Fister, 11, from the Metro Edge Figure Skating Club and Ella Speeler, 13, from the Creve Coeur Figure Skating Club.

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“Hannah is thrilled for the opportunity to be a sweeper at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships,” said Angie Fister, Hannah’s mother. “She is beyond excited to be part of such an inspiring event and she cannot wait to help support the incredible athletes as they take the ice.”

“Ella is very excited to be a Sweeper for the 2026 Prevegen U.S. Figure Skating Championships,” said Jennifer Speeler, Ella’s mother. “When she learned about the opportunity, she couldn’t wait to film her audition video. Being a sweeper is something she’s only ever seen on TV—something she never imagined she’d get to experience herself. Being on the same ice with skaters she looks up to and aspires to be is a dream come true and a moment she’ll never forget. This opportunity reminds her why she loves the sport and inspires her to keep chasing her own skating goals.”

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The 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships features 180 athletes and attracts fans from across the nation. All-session, weekend, and single-session tickets for the championship-level events at Enterprise Center January 7-11, including Sunday’s Olympic Team announcement showcase event, are available to purchase at SkateStLouis2026.com.

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