At first glance, it might seem like a certain athlete has it all...natural talent, exceptional genetics, and the skills to excel.

Nevertheless, even with these advantages, the path to success in sports is rarely a smooth, linear one.

For Georgia, a senior triathlete, team captain of varsity soccer and track, and a key player on her basketball team at Timpanogos High School, it may appear that her journey has been effortless. She has avoided any career-ending injuries, suffering a few sprained ankles here and there, but quickly healing. Georgia has thrived in multiple, demanding high school sports, playing with confidence and dedication.

However, it was not always this way for her.

Like many athletes, the biggest challenge she faced was losing her confidence. There was a time when she felt disconnected from herself and her love for the game, nothing seemed to go right.

In those moments, Georgia realized that she needed to shift her mindset. Instead of defining herself by her performance on the field, she chose to focus on who she was as a person outside of sports.

This shift was pivotal.

By learning to enjoy the game and play with the joy she once had, without succumbing to external pressures, she rediscovered her passion.

Ironically, it was during her senior year of high school that Georgia made the decision to enjoy soccer simply for the love of the game, without the weight of unnecessary expectations.

That year, she went on to win several awards and set impressive records, proving that when she played the game her way, everything fell into place.

It is never too late to find yourself outside of what others may see you as, or what you may even see yourself as, the “soccer girl” or “track star.” While those might be positive labels, they are not true character traits.

Each athlete has to decide for themselves who they are, and how they can use their individual talents within their sport.

Georgia serves as an example to everyone who has felt their light dim and their drive for their sport falter. She shows us that external activities do not define who we are, and once we discover that truth, whether that renewed energy fuels our original passion or leads us to something entirely new, it will bring back the joy and purpose we once had.

Coaches Words:

"she's just somebody you can always count on and believe in. She gives everything she has every time...one of the toughest competitors I've ever seen. And she just plays hard every time she steps on the floor. Whether that's practice or in a game."-Coach Tony Ingel

"Georgia leads by example and gives 100% every practice and game. She was voted a team captain because she works hard to make sure every girl on the team feels included & appreciated. On or off the field she is a great role model for the younger players on our team. There is no one on the team that works harder than Georgia" -Coach Robyn Bretzing