By Zoey Olson
Saguaro City Reporter
Citizens enter Girls State with a variety of extracurricular backgrounds, but one stands out as a common favorite amongst girls, as well as one that seems to offer the most learning experience heading into this week of politics and new experiences: athletics.
Luci McDonald, an elite badminton player, claimed that many of her skills in leadership stem from “winning multiple tournaments”, allowing her to feel confident in herself and her skills both on and off the court, something that serves her especially well in her campaign for state superintendent.
Abigale Dixon, who wrestles competitively and has previously qualified for her state championships, stated that wrestling has helped her grow in a variety of ways.
Specifically, she feels that because “wrestling is an extremely mindful sport where wins and losses can really get to your head” it forces you to develop confidence, resiliency and the stamina to keep going, three things that are especially important in Girls State.
Abigale is currently running for clerk of the superior court and has had to put in hours of work on top of her job as secretary for Saguaro City, an experience certainly made easier by the perseverance built through her wrestling career.
Not only do these sports help athletes grow confidence, their consistent and strict adherence to routines helps them develop the discipline they need to get up at six am sharp each morning to resume their county and state positions.
Zoe Gadow, a gymnast, states that her experience in gymnastics forced her to prioritize, as she had to balance academics with “five hours a day in the gym.”
Her gymnastics career also allowed her to become more responsible, as she learned to balance her heavy workload.
Even though it’s an individual sport, gymnastics can also be a way to connect with others. Abigail Munchinsky, nicknamed Abbie, another highly accomplished gymnast, stated that being a gymnast has “helped [her] make a lot of friends.”
She mentioned that since Zoe is also a gymnast, those “experiences have helped us really bond.”
Abbie’s experience in the world of gymnastics has also allowed her to become much more “courageous.” She stated that “Whenever I feel that I don’t want to go out and do something… I say it’s five seconds of fear once or a lifetime of regret.”
Her commitment to her goals and skills in conquering her fear allow her to balance her many difficult and stressful responsibilities as mayor for her city’s citizens alongside her quest to attend Girls Nation as a senator.
Clearly, the skills earned through days, weeks and months of training for these athletes have paid off at more than competitions, as they continue to serve them here in the mythical 51st state.