East County Athlete of the Week: Erika Garcia

The weight room at Braden River High School is filled with talented lifters. Erika Garcia is one of them, hoping to help her team to its first title in program history on Feb. 12 at the FHSAA Class 2A state championship. The senior placed second in Olympic style and fourth in Traditional for the 101-pound weight class at the 2A-6 regional meet, ultimately qualifying for states. Garcia is the East County Athlete of the Week.

As you approach the state meet, what were your takeaways from the regional?

I try my hardest when I lift, try to be as strong as I can, and aim for the podium.

How have you become a better lifter this season than last season?

I feel like this year, there's more pressure, or the feeling to try harder, because it's my last year and I want to make an impact before I leave.

When and why did you start weightlifting?

I did volleyball my freshman year, and coach Jordan (Borges) was our lifting coach and he's also the coach for the girls weightlifting team. I remember the last game of the volleyball season, I was walking down the court and he asked me how much I weighed. I told him I weighed 88 pounds. (The team) didn't have any (101-pound lifters), so I instantly made varsity.

What's driven you to stick with this sport?

I like how it's a small sport, so people don't expect much from you. But then, when you make it big, they start noticing more and put more attention into it. 

What's one quote or piece of advice that you've always carried with you?

Coach Jordan always says, "Show up and show out."

What's a fun fact about you that not many people know?

My favorite animal is a frog.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

Lionel Messi. He wasn't well-known. He started small and, with his talent and hard work, he became big.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Costa Rica. They have these hotels in the middle of the forest, so if you go out at night, you can see a bunch of animals and birds.

What is your favorite meal?

Burgers.

What is your favorite TV show?

Bridgerton.

Do you have go-to music during practice or before a meet?

Lana Del Rey.

Finish this sentence. Erika Garcia is...

Bright.