Alexa

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Alexa is a fierce competitor whether she is in a tournament or in the gym practicing. She loves to not only learn new techniques and moves on the mat, but she also loves to coach younger or newer students when she has the opportunity. She is learning that even though jiu jitsu is an individual sport, it takes a team to build a champion. Alexa is quickly becoming a young leader within her club.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Two people inspire Alexa. 1) Her mom (Victoria). Months after Alexa started BJJ, her mom also began to train. They both love rolling on the mat together, and Alexa loves knowing that her mom is not just a cheerleader in the stands, but a competitor as well. 2) Her professor (Bernardo): When the Professor is coaching, Alexa is locked in. They have talked about competing at the world championships, and it is exciting for her to think about competing with her professor at the same tournament.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

When Alexa watched her little brother receive his grey belt at a tournament after getting 2 silvers, he was upset because he thought he had to get two golds like his big sister to get his grey belt. After his Professor explained that it is not about the gold, it is about how much work he had put in, Alexa went up to her brother and gave him a big hug and told him how proud she was of him. Jiu Jitsu has taught great life lessons to all my children, and we are excited for their future.