[2] Early in his career, Stagniūnas was coached by Walter Wielunski and Natalia Dubova, who trained him in ice dancing.

He and Whipple won the senior bronze medal at the Lake Placid ice dancing competition, representing Lithuania.

Copely retired from competition due to an injury which was subsequently treated arthroscopically, followed by a complete recovery.

She is currently attending medical school in the U.S.[1] In spring 2010, Stagniūnas teamed up with American ice dancer Isabella Tobias.

In order to allow the team to compete at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Tobias submitted an application for Lithuanian citizenship in October 2012.

[11] By finishing 15th at the 2013 World Championships in London, Ontario, they qualified a spot for Lithuania in the Olympic ice dancing event.