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American Ashley Wagner rode her Black Swan free skate to U.S. and Four Continents titles. (Getty Images)

By icenetwork.com

(04/23/2012) - The 2011-12 season was unequivocally the breakout year for American skater Ashley Wagner, who shed her self-proclaimed reputation as the "almost girl" and cemented her place in U.S. figure skating lore. She went on to win the 2012 U.S. Championships and 2012 Four Continents Championships, and she earned a respectable fourth-place finish at the 2012 World Championships.

Wagner and coach John Nicks put together two solid segments: a short program to music from Pollock and a free skate to Black Swan. Some questioned Wagner for calling it her "nationals to lose" prior to the event, but she backed it up with a stellar performance in San Jose, earning that elusive first U.S. title.

The daughter in a military family, Wagner now resides and trains in California.

Icenetwork.com: What's your favorite thing about living in California?

Wagner: My favorite thing about living in California is that I am super close to the beach. After a hard day of training, I go to the beach to relax and read and soak up the sun.

Icenetwork.com: What are your favorite books?

Wagner: My favorite book is Atonement, which is also my favorite movie. I have always loved the storyline. I just finished The Chosen by Stephanie Meyer. It was a quick and interesting read.

Icenetwork.com: What's your favorite class?

Wagner: I am taking an environmental studies class and it is fascinating, especially because we are moving to a greener economy. It is so interesting to me.

Icenetwork.com: What do you like to do in your free time?

Wagner: Since I am very athletic, I like to spend the offseason doing stuff outside like riding my bike. I also love yoga, so I do a lot of that.

Icenetwork.com: What are your favorite foods?

Wagner: I love everything that is bad for you, like chicken nuggets and French fries. My absolute favorite thing in the world is Thai curry.