For many students, senior year is the final goodbye to their high school journey. But for Kymalia Brevett, who many know as Kymmi, senior year brought a new beginning. As someone hyper-involved in many different clubs and activities, Brevett wanted to participate in a winter sport in order to keep in shape for her spring track season. After previously trying basketball as a junior, she gave wrestling a shot for her last year in high school.
“I’m not gonna lie, I side-quested…People had told me that [wrestling] was really hard mentally, and I hadn’t experienced that at first, because I’m pretty athletic, so just being strong really helped me. But then when I started getting to my first losses and things like that, I was like, ‘Oh, this is what they’re talking about,’” Brevett said.
Overall, Brevett believes in the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone. Her side-questing has earned her unforgettable memories and a community of supporters. Most importantly, it taught her that she can rise to the occasion.
“You can do hard things. You can push through even when you’re feeling sad or when you don’t feel like you have the energy. I really enjoyed the community that I’ve built around wrestling, and the support from my teammates and coaches has been so great. I’ve never had a sports experience like this before, so I’m really glad that I got to do it before I graduated,” Brevett said.
Brevett is familiar with the notion of trying new things. Over her lifetime, she has lived in New York, Jamaica, Florida, and Missouri. The constant motion had her taking part in new experiences by default, which has influenced her life as a student.
“I’m very adaptable, and I can handle hardship pretty well. [But] I haven’t had the chance to build those close bonds. I know a lot of people have had friends since they were in third grade, and I’ve never gotten to do those types of things. So the longest friendships that I have are actually the ones here at Rolla,” Brevett said.
Brevett is a well-rounded, involved, and academically gifted student. But this year, many know her name from her accomplishments in wrestling. Not only did she end the season with a record of 29-12, but she was one of the seven Rolla wrestlers that advanced to State. Brevett encourages everyone to look into joining wrestling.
“The coaches are amazing. The community is amazing. They pour so much into you, and you’ll learn so much…Don’t be scared and don’t be anxious, because, nine times out of ten, you’re going to go in and these people are going to encourage you, and they’re going to be so happy that you walk through their doors. You’re going to meet some amazing people and have some awesome experiences,” Brevett said.
Furthermore, in Brevett’s two years in Speech and Debate, she accumulated numerous trophies. She is also currently a MSHSAA State qualifier in Poetry Reading and a National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Nationals qualifier in Program of Oral Interpretation (POI). Brevett uses her adaptability to embrace new things, and she invites other students to challenge themselves and explore new opportunities.
“So even if you’re feeling a bit anxious at first, don’t let it stop you. Because there are so many things where, if I had known how much I would have loved them, I would have started sooner. And I wouldn’t want anyone to come into high school and then leave having that kind of regret. I would just say—try everything. And when you find something that sticks, hold on to it,” Brevett said.
