Junior Alexa “the brat” Braton started wrestling in 7th grade. For four years, Alexa has been working hard to reach her goals. Alexa is captain of the Girls Wrestling and the team’s 110 varsity girl wrestler. Not only is she a leader for the team, she’s a role model, best friend and an overall star.
She started off showing her potential and skill at an 8th grade tournament, where head wrestling coach and LSHS teacher Cameron Pack first spotted Braton.
“I was watching the girls wrestle, and I saw one of the girls wearing a USA Wrestling singlet, and she was doing really well. And I was like, ‘Who is that girl?’ And I ended up asking around, and I found out she was gonna be going to Lee’s Summit High School. So I went and talked to her mom to make sure that she was, in fact, coming to Lee’s Summit High School. So that’s when I first saw her. I kind of introduced myself, but we didn’t talk very long, and then I really met her freshman year, the first year she came out for wrestling.” Pack said.
Braton started off young and has continued to build on her passion as she’s gotten older.
“She’s been working for it for a really long time. Whenever she was little, her dad got her into working out, and then she started wrestling, and ever since then, it’s been one of her passions.” Senior and fellow wrestler Zyla Harper said.
When Braton arrived at Lee’s Summit High School, friends and teammates could tell how much wrestling meant to her and what her goals were.
“Wrestling is her entire life. She’s been doing it since she was in seventh grade, and she’s worked so hard and gotten so far and she’s determined to go to state this year.” Junior and wrestler Keely Kovaleski said.
Braton’s teammates are sure that she will get to state. With her strength and determination, they believe she will reach what she’s been working for.
“She’s strong, mentally and physically, and determined. She’s going to state this year. She knows she is. That’s one of her big goals. And I feel the way she goes through practice and how I know she’s always asking coaches for questions, she’s definitely gonna make it.” Junior and Girls Wrestling manager Kerri Winzer said.
Braton’s main goal is going to state, where she will compete in Class 2 District 4 against 22 other schools.
“I expect to come out of the season with a really good record of wins and of course going to state, initially qualifying for state and then eventually wrestling at state, placing hopefully, but my main goal for the season is to really work on just setting a really good example of just putting all this hard work into something that is truly loving, like a really loving thing.” Junior Alexa Braton said.
While state is an important thing for her, it’s not the only goal she has for herself. Her team is important to her too, and she shows that through her ability to set an example of her hard work.
“She contributes stamina. She’s always consistent. Yes, she’s always at practice. She knows what she’s doing. She’s willing to help. And, you know, she’s just, she’s very smart when it comes to what she’s doing. She likes her technique, and she’s always willing to grow and help other people.” Winzer said.
Her ability to go above and beyond inspires those around her and encourages others to step up.
“She works so hard, she honestly pushes herself a little too much, and it worries me sometimes, but she never gives up on something which is an amazing personality trait to have. And she’s like, if you give 10% she’s giving 25, she’s always one step ahead of you, trying to push herself, trying to push others. So she’s not only pushing herself, but she’s pushing you to be a better person. And it’s amazing.” Kovaleski said.
Kovaleski and Braton have known each other since the first week of eighth grade. While Braton “lowkey hated” Kovaleski at first, they became fast friends and stayed friends from then on.
“We have grown so close. She’s like a sister to me, and she’s just amazing. I look up to her so much. She’s definitely my biggest role model and inspiration. She’s so strong mentally and physically, and that’s what I want to be as a person. So she’s just somebody that I never would want to lose that’s in my life, and just an amazing person in general.” Kovaleski said.
Braton’s friends see her as more than a friend. Whether she’s like a sister or a role model, she’s always the one making sure that wrestling practice is a good place to be.
“No matter how hard practice can be or how tough a tournament is, if you have the right people by your side, it’s never gonna be bad.” Braton said.
Braton isn’t finished with her goals yet, she’s also after much tougher things: changing the way people think about her sport.
“When you think of women’s wrestling, you don’t really think big on it. When you think of men’s you think of like top tier, like colleges and everything, and I want to change that. So when you think of women’s wrestling, you think of, ‘Oh yeah, that little bean over there.’” Braton said.
Braton’s goal will make her the first girl in Lee’s Summit High School history to go to state for wrestling. She’s already started off this 2024-2025 season strong at the first meet of the season. On November 30, she placed first by winning both of her matches against Suzette Mendez and Abbigayle Betterton at the Oak Park Girls Invite.
Braton is someone who is always working, always persevering and always bettering herself. Braton’s advice to anyone who might look up to her explains her values.
“To not give up, and no matter if it’s hard or it gets really challenging, just keep pushing forward. That there’s always going to be light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how dark it is, how long the tunnel is, there will always be light at the end.” Braton said.
