The Mayfield School District is known for having a wide assortment of sports from which to choose. However, here at Mayfield Middle School, some students go outside of the school’s walls and take part in unique activities, ranging from fencing to hunting.

Taking part in sports is something that can give students a boost in self-esteem and even help them learn how to balance school and activities. The University of Missouri Health Care states, “Physical exercise is good for the mind and body. Sports help with accountability, dedication and leadership.” 

But there are MMS students who take sports to another level.  For example, Marissa Dalessandro, an eighth grader, has participated in karate for seven years. Marissa was influenced by her grandfather just seven years ago to start karate, not knowing in the future she would be a fourth degree black belt. Ever since Marissa started, she’s had to practice with adults and even compete with boys. Marissa even proclaimed she was offered to teach classes after being ranked top in her all-boy class. “You have to bow before every match, it’s a signal of respect,” Marissa says, after stating how tournaments work: “It’s all about control.” Karate is challenging for both the mind and body, something only certain gifted athletes can truly succeed in.

Another great athlete is Samantha Svoboda, a current hunter whose specialty lies with her bow. Sam has hunted for four years and reveals how difficult hunting really is. “Hunting requires lots of patience and focus- it requires a lot of practice too,” Sam explains. Sam’s father hunts as well; when she was younger she thought it seemed cool and went with him. After years of practice Sam  successfully killed a female deer by herself. “I felt bad for the animal losing its life, but it was an amazing experience. I had spent so much time and effort into my precision that when I finally got my shot, I was grateful.” She also said, laughing, “Never go into the woods and smell like a girl.” When asked why, she said that it can actually scare away what you are trying to hunt. Hunting is a unique and immense sport that is completely astonishing.

Another amazing athlete at Mayfield Middle School is eighth grader Donovan Liao, who excels at the breaststroke. Donovan started swimming after an Olympic breaststroker, Brendan Hansen, broke the world record for his 200 medley event. Eight years later, Donovan has swum his way up to earning a scholarship for Hawken High School’s swim team. “Don’t eat McDonalds before practice,” Donovan declares, “unless you want to throw up while swimming.” Donovan explained how satisfying it is after winning, once you’ve realized that your hard work has paid off. Swimming is a sport that requires athletes be at their physical peak every time they get into the water. It is also a sport that requires focus and determination that so few have.

Kathy Du is another fantastic athlete that walks the halls of Mayfield Middle School. Kathy has been a rhythmic gymnast for four years. It all started when Kathy’s mom accidentally put Kathy in the wrong gymnastics class. Kathy gave it a shot and eventually fell in love with it. “I’m very passionate about [gymnastics], through thick and thin.” Rhythmic Gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics and dance. It requires the gymnast to be graceful while showing emotion to the judges and a crowd. Rhythmic Gymnastics also includes dancing with ribbons, balls and even hoops. Kathy took to Rhythmic Gymnastics naturally, allowing her to be able to skip level four. Kathy won first in her level when she was on level 3-6. Kathy now is on level eight and still enjoys her sport. 

Phillip Jimenez, another eighth grader, also participates in a unique sport known as fencing. Fencing attracted Philip because of the fighting aspect of it.  “I thought it looked cool [on tv] so why not?” At Phillip’s recent tournament, he won second place overall. “It was really fun, but now I’m aiming for first,” Phillips says.  Fencing definitely is a very unique sport that requires agility and dexterity.

UQ Sports, an Australian Fitness Association, emphasizes that importance of being involved in sports: “Learning the ideal qualities of an athlete can help students grow as a person; sports can be very fundamental in a child’s maturity.” For these select MMS athletes, who have chosen less traditional sports in which to display their talents, their passionate involvement offers personal growth as well as inspiration for their classmates.