Get to know Kenosha Indian Trail multi-sport athlete Xochitl Delvale-Vera
KENOSHA, Wis. — The best piece of advice 16-year-old Indian Trail High School and Academy junior Xochitl Delvale-Vera ever received from a coach was to trust in herself and her skills. This advice has served her well over the past 6 years as a football player and 2 years on the Kenosha Storm lacrosse team. So well, in fact, that she was chosen as one of two goalies to represent Team Wisconsin in a multi-state lacrosse tournament in Baltimore, Maryland this past May and was second-team all-conference this year.
Like all elite athletes, Xochitl has faced her share of challenges. Working at the same level as the rest of her all-male football team has meant putting in extra work both on and off the field, including the challenge of relaxing and letting go of her fear of failure. While on the field, Xochitl has found that taking a deep breath and “going with the flow” has made her a better player.
Another huge challenge for Xochitl when joining the lacrosse team was overcoming her fear of getting hit by the ball. She also struggled with quick decision-making on the field. Tracking the ball closely and visualizing how the stick will affect the ball have been her keys to her success in relation to this. Xochitl’s teammates and coaches have been extremely supportive of her and instrumental in keeping her motivated and reminding her to always have fun.
Outside of football and lacrosse, the high school junior tries to spend as much time with her family as possible. She describes them as her biggest supporters in everything she does. Regardless of whether she wins or loses, she knows her family will be proud of her.
Xochitl’s passion for sports extends far beyond the field. She has learned valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, communication, and what it takes to achieve her goals. Being a team member has not only made her a better person, but it’s also taught her that success is a group effort. In her words, “Either we all win, or we all learn”.
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