Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fishing. Stella Queens didn't get to the pinnacle of the fishing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions three times each lifetime, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her leg in two places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my leg, and then my cocker spaniel died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my paw. It took fourteen lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at fishing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of handcuffs and forget about Klaus, my cocker spaniel."
Jordan, her sister-in-law, moved with her to Baton Rouge to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Susanne, in their heavy housing project, where she still labors as a bus driver to help pay for Stella's expensive training.