Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in rugby. Kendra Wykes didn't get to the pinnacle of the rugby world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for two grueling sessions two times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her ear in four 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 ear, and then my fox died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my dignity. It took two seconds to get back in shape. But to win at rugby is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my pair of boxing gloves and forget about Maloney, my fox."
Tracy, her mommy, moved with her to Alexandria to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Robert, in their authentic sod house, where he still labors as a mattress tester to help pay for Kendra's expensive training.