Sydney, one of the best skaters of her generation, knows that the world of roller skating is more than just a hobby; it's a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Born and raised in Chicago, Sydney was introduced to skating by her mother at the young age of 4. She remembers the very first day she put on her famous Chicago skates with the white boot and pink wheels, the first pair of skates for many young girls in the 90s. For Sydney, the rest was history. She fell in love with roller skating and attended as many sessions as she could weekly. She grew up learning JB (James Brown) style skating at The Rink on Chicago’s Southside. Roller skating was more than just a fun thing to do on the weekends, it also kept Sydney focused in school because she knew if she didn’t do well in school she wouldn’t be able to go skating. Sydney has embraced this solo sport as a source of invaluable life lessons and long-term sisterhood bonds with other Black women skaters she encountered and skated with in groups or during major skate performances.

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Skating, for Sydney, is a practice that teaches important life skills. Sydney says, “You learn a lot about life with skating. Even through the concept of falling. You have to be comfortable with falling and getting back up.” Another significant lesson she's learned through skating is the art of letting go—letting go of judgment, expectations, and the urge to compare oneself to others. Skating offers a space where individuals can shed their insecurities and simply be themselves, gliding along the path to self-acceptance.

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Beyond the physical and personal growth, Sydney has found that skating helps individuals discover their identity on the skate floor. It's a unique space where self-expression knows no bounds, and each skater can explore and embrace their individuality. For Sydney, skating is also a sanctuary of sorts. It's a space where individuals don't have to engage in conversations if they don't want to; and instead engage skating as a wellness practice to release stress or center their own craft. Sydney says, “you can create your own tunnel vision and not know who’s watching,” but still communicate through your movements on the rink floor, allowing for a unique form of social interaction.

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What truly sets the world of skating apart is the sense of community it fosters. In this vibrant community, skaters have names, groups, and even staple outfits that make them instantly recognizable. The camaraderie is palpable, as the community hypes and cheers each other on, fostering an environment of support and encouragement. Since she was 16-years-old Sydney has performed in various skate groups such as the Queens of JB and most recently joined a popular Chicago-based skate group, JB Elite.

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Sydney's passion for skating extends beyond the rink and her hometown. Sydney continued her passion of skating when she left Chicago to attend Spelman College, and for the past 10 years when she lived in New York City. During this time, she also served as a cast member with DiscOasis, a pop-up roller disco experience, in the Summer of 2022. Sydney was especially integral in showing love to young Black girls that visited DiscOasis as she was one of the first people to join their sides and teach them new skate moves. Young Black girls also visited frequently to see Sydney skate, to hype her up during her performances, and to create skate content alongside her. Because of this, Sydney also considers skating to be a platform for inspiring Black women and girls in skating and their businesses. She has merged her passion for fashion with her distinct roller-skating style to help many brands, Black-owned, and Black women-owned businesses to promote their products and merchandise. Sydney has garnered a large following from her biggest supporters, Black women and girls. Through the transformative power of skating, she uses her platform as a space to honor them and has inspired many to take up a skate practice of their own. Sydney offers in-person and virtual roller-skating classes and recently returned to her hometown of Chicago where she currently serves as a Coach to an after school roller skating club for youth at her former high school, Kenwood Academy High School.

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Sydney's journey in the world of roller skating exemplifies the multifaceted nature of this sport. It's not just about the physical act of gliding on wheels; it's about personal growth, self-exploration, and the creation of a supportive community. Through her platform, Sydney is helping Black women and girls through skating and beyond find their voice, strength, and individuality, proving that skating is not just a hobby—it's a means of community, inspiration, deep connection, survival, and Black girl joy.