The winter season is a thrilling time for athletes, especially those just waiting for their moment to shine in the snow. Excitement around sports like snowboarding and skiing rises once more as students return to Mt. Hood and begin this year’s training for competitions and new personal records. 

The Wolf interviewed sophomore Sophia Lowery, who attended the state championship for snowboarding last year, to gain some insight into their preparation for competitions like these. 

 “If your time is fast enough in the first competitions, you can qualify by getting around the top 65 (for girls) out of all the leagues,” Lowery said. ”Last year it was really scary because I’d never competed in any snow sports before, but I just had to remind myself that I was doing it for fun.”

With competitive sports, trying out for state is usually a nerve-wracking or intimidating experience. Lowery is an admirable example of why and how athletes can push through the fear and just try their best. Despite last year having been her first time navigating an unfamiliar sport, she still made a brave effort to go to state, and she succeeded.

Lowery also shared memories of her time competing.

“I remember just sitting around the starting point and watching people go. Everyone was hyping each other up, and I could talk to anyone like they were my best friend,” she said.

Going to state is a great way to make new or stronger connections with people who share your interests. There is a special kind of bond that forms when people come together in support of one another and being there with each other during a stressful time. It’s simple moments like the one Lowery shared that can bring a brighter atmosphere to the whole event.

However, even with support from teammates and plenty of practice, it can still be hard to move past the anxiety. Lowery has a method to prepare before making her way down the mountain.

“Before going down the course, I just walk through it, pointing out corrections I can make. It can be hard to stay calm sometimes, but you can’t just start to overthink it,” Lowery said. 

Thanks to Lowery, we can see how athletes can spend a significant amount of time training, but in the heat of the moment, it takes a focused, level head to reach the finish line.

Overall, going to state can be frightening. It is easy to grow overwhelmed or feel an overbearing kind of pressure to perform perfectly. But Lowery shows us that these competitions can be just as fun as practice, as you meet new people and simply try your best, all while having fun.