It's a good article. It says that previously Novak & Kiliakov had worked with high-level competitive teams, but never with children. And talks a lot about how working with children--growing them with their style of technique--is their main focus. That they are very selective about who they take, rejecting more athletes than not. That having athletes who are really committed is important. And that they are focused on growing the academy locally rather than internationally.
It just sounds to me like they are focused on young, local dance teams and growing them within their own rink. This is a different focus from many programs.
They are sharing their own philosophy about coaching.
All coaches have their own focus. Marina is known for her focus on choreography, music, and senior dancers. Igor has a big focus on technique and recruitment. (A talented young athlete pops up at U.S. nationals and he's watching. The next year they're in his rink). He's also focused on using international connections to put together talented athletes. Neither of these coaches is out there with teams trying to win U.S. juveniles/intermediates/novices. It's a different focus for Wheaton Academy.
It will be interesting to see how that focus evolves with relation to McNamara & Carpenter and the Parsons. Will the Wheaton program expand into seniors or not? Do they want to? They are already exceptionally successful at what they do, and it sounds like they are very passionate about working with the younger athletes. But they have built these teams with the tools to compete in the international spotlight, and have guided them for a long time, developing strong relationships.
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They have potential to win Olympic gold in 2022.
all things considered. It's the only sense I can make of it.
