Biography

Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir are the reigning U.S. champion senior pair team, claiming the Gold medal in both 2013 and 2014 at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and most recently winning a Bronze medal in the first-ever Olympic Figure Skating Team Event at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

Skating together for the first time in June of 2006, they both brought previous pair experience to the partnership, and their results have attested to that experience. In just their third season together, they qualified for the 2008 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final. In 2009, they were the U.S. Championships junior pair Bronze medalists and the ISU World Figure Skating Championships junior pair Bronze medalists.

Marissa began skating at age four, under the watchful eye of her mother who teaches figure skating. She admires Joannie Rochette for her strength and courage. In addition to her busy training schedule, Marissa coaches figure skating and is a college student. This year, Ice Chips welcomed Marissa back as a Choreographer on the Ice Chips Creative Team. She thoroughly enjoys being apart of the creative process of Ice Chips, and enjoys working with a cast full of all ages and disciplines.

At the age of six, Simon was inspired to try figure skating after watching Scott Hamilton on television. In addition to his training, Simon studies marketing at Emerson College in Boston. The biggest influences in his life are his parents, who have a great appreciation and understanding of the arts. Simon’s hobbies include watching movies, listening to music, and playing basketball and tennis.

An interesting fact about Marissa and Simon is that they share the same birthday. It’s very convenient - they cannot forget to congratulate each other! Marissa and Simon are coached by Bobby Martin, Carrie Wall, Peter Johansson and Mark Mitchell.