Alexi Valencia doesn’t wait for motivation. As a junior at Perry High School, she’s learned something more reliable, discipline.
“Motivation comes and go. Discipline is what keeps me going to continue to work hard.”
That mindset shows up long before the whistle blows. Valencia splits her year between wrestling mats and softball fields, carrying the weight of expectations in a school known for its wrestling tradition. Representing Perry isn’t something she takes lightly, it’s fuel.
“It means a lot representing my school. We are known for wrestling, so it’s exciting having everyone at our duals.”
Her success isn’t accidental. Valencia builds it in the quiet moments, extra reps, tough practices, and pushing through exhaustion when others might stop. One of those pushing her the hardest is someone who knows her best: her cousin and teammate, Sayben Owen.
“She pushes me past my limits. She makes sure that we go 110 percent no matter how tired we are.”
That relentless work paid off this season when Perry finished as state runner-up, a moment Valencia calls the highlight of her career. But behind every win is a support system that keeps her grounded.
“My mom and dad are my biggest role models. They show me what hard work truly is.”
Off the mat, Valencia carries that same discipline into the classroom. Balancing AP classes, FCA, NHS, and two sports means late nights and long weekends. She credits one teacher in particular for helping her grow.
“Mrs. Hofferber shows me what a kind and hard-working person is… she’s always encouraging us to try our best.”
Whether she’s studying, training, or competing, Valencia embraces the unseen work, the kind that doesn’t always get recognition but makes all the difference. It’s that willingness to do what others won’t that defines her.
For Alexi Valencia, success isn’t about chasing motivation. It’s about showing up anyway.
