Skater Sienna’s Journey Through Triumph and Tragedy

From an early age, Sienna’s path in figure skating was full of challenges. At just three years old, she auditioned for various programs despite being told she lacked elite talent. Her journey took a dramatic turn when her mother, Rachelle Chase Piro, introduced her to Inna Volyanskaya at the Ashburn Ice House. Volyanskaya, a retired competitor from the pre-1991 Soviet Union with international accolades, saw promise in the then-struggling skater, even though Sienna was not yet on par with her peers and the coach already had several high-profile athletes under her tutelage.

Under Volyanskaya’s mentorship, Sienna made rapid progress. During a trial week, she successfully landed her first axel—a move that usually takes years to master—leaving both her and her mother in awe. Sienna’s breakthrough was attributed to the deep confidence and belief her coach instilled in her, a sentiment that became the cornerstone of their close relationship. This bond was so strong that Volyanskaya was affectionately regarded as family, with small personal gestures, like Sienna bringing her vanilla lattes before practice, highlighting their connection.

Tragedy struck on a fateful Wednesday when American Eagle Flight 5342, carrying Volyanskaya along with some of Sienna’s skating friends and their families, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during its descent at Reagan National Airport. The crash claimed the lives of all on board, including the beloved coach and several young skaters who had shared dreams of competing in the Olympics. Sienna, deeply connected to those lost and especially close to Volyanskaya, became overwhelmed by grief as she remembered the moments of support and encouragement from her mentor.

In the aftermath, as Sienna navigated a world suddenly devoid of her guiding star, she struggled with anger and sadness over the loss. The absence of Volyanskaya, who had always been there to lift her spirits during moments of self-doubt, left a void that made continuing the sport feel bittersweet. In honor of the coach’s lasting impact, Sienna’s parents gifted her a black athletic jacket emblazoned with “Team Inna Volyanskaya” and adorned with golden accents and glittery angel wings—a symbol of resilience and remembrance meant to inspire her as she stepped onto the ice at future competitions.