Q&A with North Oconee High School wrestler Vera Spencer
BOGART, Ga. — We were able to sit down and find out about Vera Spencer, a 15-year-old North Oconee High School student that has been a wrestler for 1 ½ years. Her NOHS Coach is Walker Daniel.
Will you share with us any awards you’ve won or accomplishments you’d like to share?
Vera Spencer: First Female State Qualifier at North Oconee High School, First Female State Placer at North Oconee High School, 2022- GHSA 5th place State Championship Placer, 2022- First Place Champion at All Valley Girls’ Wrestling Championships, 2022- National Team Member for Team Georgia, 2022 National Duals Team Qualifier for Team Georgia, 2022- Second Place at Southeastern Regionals for Team Georgia, and 2020- USA Wrestling Girls’ State Champion
Will you be continuing your athletic career at the next level?
Spencer: My goal is to become a collegiate wrestler, preferably in Division 1 with a full scholarship. I would also love to be a World Team member and represent the United States.
What are your personal and/or team goals within your sport?
Spencer: I would love to help grow women’s wrestling at my high school and statewide. My hope is to set a positive example through wrestling for other young women seeking strength, confidence, and resiliency.
Describe your most memorable moment as an athlete.
Spencer: I was very aware once I qualified for the State Championship that I had made some history at North Oconee High School. I distinctly remember cradling and pinning my opponent and then walking off the mat thinking it was just another match. However, seconds after stepping off the mat, Coach Cordell hugged me and said, “You did it! You placed at State!”
What is the biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Spencer: Fighting the stereotype of being a women wrestler and dealing with people who don’t think women should wrestle has been the biggest challenge.
What do you love about your sport?
Spencer: Wrestling provides a fantastic physical and mental outlet. I believe being on the ground floor of the growth of women’s wrestling is providing me with a true appreciation for the strength of women athletes.
Who is your favorite coach that you’ve had?
Spencer: Up until now, I have had several fantastic coaches. I will forever remember Coach Daniel and Coach Cordell for always supporting women’s wrestling, and my wrestling career.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Spencer: Just keep going!
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Spencer: Music and a quick prayer.
What else do you like to do in your free time when you’re not engaged in your sport?
Spencer: I love to go to the gym and hang out with my friends.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Spencer: Teamwork and encouragement of others is very important.
How do you face adversity?
Spencer: Overcoming mental challenges by learning effective coping strategies.
Can you share some of your favorite things with us?
Spencer: My favorite food is lasagna, and my favorite restaurant is Carrabba’s. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica is my favorite song. Kiss and Metallica are my favorite bands. My favorite quote is, “They laugh at me because I’m different. I laugh at them because they’re all the same.” Jenna Burkert is my favorite athlete. My dream car is a Toyota Tacoma. I also enjoy playing the piano.
Vera can be followed on Instagram- @vera.spencer07
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