MAI aims to build team to represent the U.S. in the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games

STOW, Mass. – March 31, 2026 – Masters Academy International (MAI), a new and first-of-its-kind sports boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts this September, announced it will be among the first academic institutions in the world to offer “Synchro 9”, the International Skating Union’s (ISU) groundbreaking new discipline in synchronized skating.

Unveiled by the ISU in December 2025, Synchro 9 is a new competition format that consists of a synchronized nine‑skater team that performs complex, choreographed routines.

The discipline has already reached a historic milestone: Synchro 9 will make its debut at the 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Dolomiti Valtellina, Italy, marking the first time synchronized skating has ever appeared in an International Olympic Committee program.

With the sport entering a new era, MAI is positioning itself at the forefront of its development.

“Synchro 9 represents a defining moment in the evolution of figure skating, and we believe MAI is uniquely positioned to help shape what comes next,” said Peter Masters, Co-Founder of Masters Academy International. “Our model was built to support emerging high-performance disciplines like this, where athletes need elite coaching, structure, and academic flexibility all working together. We’re excited to provide a platform for skaters to be part of something truly groundbreaking from the very beginning.”

Led by Wendy Enzmann, director of figure skating at Masters Academy International, tryouts for MAI’s inaugural Synchro 9 team will take place on May 1st, and are open to both MAI students and students outside of the academy. Training will begin in July, with the team set to compete in U.S. Figure Skating competitions during the 2026–2027 season.

Enzmann, one of the nation’s most respected officials in the sport, has worked with U.S. Figure Skating stars such as Michelle Kwan and Alyssa Liu. She has decades of experience helping develop skaters from foundational levels through elite competition, and sees Synchro 9 as a pivotal moment for the sport.

“Synchro 9 is essentially the birth of a brand‑new discipline in figure skating, and MAI is taking a bold step by embracing it from day one,” said Enzmann. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for young athletes to be part of something historic—something that will shape the future of our sport on the world stage.”

Enzmann emphasized that MAI’s approach is designed to support—not replace—the broader skating ecosystem.

“Our goal is to build a high‑performance environment that works in harmony with skaters’ existing coaches and clubs,” she added. “We’re creating a pathway that blends academics, training, and athlete well‑being, giving skaters the structure they need to thrive as Synchro 9 moves toward Olympic prominence.”

The introduction of Synchro 9 comes at a time of heightened visibility for synchronized skating worldwide. The 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Prague and the 2026 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships in Salzburg will showcase the sport’s top talent just months before MAI’s inaugural team begins training.

As synchronized skating gains momentum, MAI aims to play a role in developing the next generation of athletes preparing for future Olympic cycles — including the 2028 Youth Olympic Games and beyond.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International (MAI) is an elite boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts, designed to redefine the student-athlete experience. MAI prepares students to think, train, and perform at professional standards by integrating pro-level coaching, top-tier academics, and comprehensive student development into one aligned model — ensuring students never have to compromise one for the other. The school is operated in partnership with Cognita, a global education leader with more than 100 premium private schools worldwide. MAI provides a structured pathway for students aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels while excelling in the classroom and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Joe Zarbano, Regan Communications on behalf of Masters Academy International, jzarbano@regancomm.com.