November 2024
By Nancy Medina, Staff Reporter
After years of dominating just regional meets, Kipp Collegiate’s Cross Country Team achieved its greatest victory yet on Saturday, November 9th: their first-ever state championship. At the heart of that victory is 16-year-old Bella Garcia, a rising star whose natural athleticism has propelled her to the top.
With only two races of cross-country experience under her belt, Garcia dominates the competition by becoming the HCCAL state champion, a title that now stands as a testament to her grit, talent, and dedication.
Garcia’s athletic journey is hardly a surprise to those who know her. Over the past three years, she has excelled across five varsity sports—volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross-country, and track and field—becoming a key player in each. Whether she’s spiking the ball as an outside hitter, controlling the court as a point guard, or intimidating opponents in soccer, Bella has consistently proven her versatility and drive.
Coach Avila, her soccer coach, speaks highly of Bella’s character both on and off the field. “A remarkable student-athlete and human being, she has a one-of-a-kind work ethic and character,” Avila says. “The combination of all that, along with her natural ability, really sets her apart.” It’s clear from Coach Avila’s words that Bella’s influence extends beyond her athletic talent, her work ethic makes her a standout in every environment she’s in.
Given all of her success, one might wonder: what motivates Bella? How does she balance so much? To find out, I sat down with the state champion herself. When asked how long she’s been training, Bella replied, “I have ten years of athletic training ” And when asked about her motivations, she shared, “I play sports because of my faith in God. I know this is a gift he has given me.” She added, “Also, my two brothers. Ever since we were little they played soccer, and me being the third oldest, I looked up to them. Lastly, I do it because I love being active. Challenging myself mentally and physically, I believe that I can do whatever I set my mind to.”
While Bella’s athletic achievements are impressive, her academic aspirations aren’t any less ambitious. She is currently set on studying lifestyle nutrition while playing Division One athletics in college. To prepare for her future, Bella is taking four AP classes and actively participating in extracurriculars such as Literary Migrations, PALS, and the Girls Empowerment Club. Her ability to excel both in the classroom and on the field speaks volumes about her dedication.
As Bella looks ahead, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of her prosperous career. There’s no doubt she’ll continue to break boundaries. Her motto, “We don’t do it because it is easy, we do it because it is hard,” further proves that whatever path she goes on to follow, she is destined for greatness.
Her future, like her present, is one to watch closely. Bella Garcia shows no signs of slowing down.
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