Rising Star Grounded by Regents

By ISABELLA CUADRADO

This spring, Washingtonville High School sophomore Alix Alisca did something extraordinary: she qualified for the 2025 Xcel Championship Invitational, gymnastics nationals, after a season of outstanding performances that placed her among the best in the state and region. But in a twist that highlights the growing tension between academic expectations and extracurricular excellence, Alix had to make the difficult decision not to attend.

Alix’s journey in gymnastics began at just six months old, joining a competition team by age four, and competing nationally by six. This season, her scores consistently rose above qualifying thresholds. At the Infinity Inferno meet, she earned a 37.5 All Around score, including a 9.6 on floor and a 9.375 on vault, placing her first overall. 

She then competed at New York State Championships, she was ranked 14th in the entire state qualifying her for Regionals. At Regionals, competing against athletes from 11 states, she landed in 45th place with a 36.925 All Around score, earning her a much desired spot at Nationals. 

Then came the heartbreaking realization that Nationals conflicted with two school days that would prioritize preparation for the New York State Regents and final class exams. With Nationals being held in Tennessee, Alix would miss multiple instructional days during a crucial academic stretch. “I was in the car after Regionals when I looked up the Nationals dates,” she lamented. “When I saw it conflicted with school, I was really upset. But I know academics have to come first.”

While teachers in Washingtonville are known for being supportive and flexible, often granting extensions and helping student athletes keep up with coursework, the nature of high stakes state testing makes things more difficult. Regents exams and finals run well into late June in New York, unlike in many other states where schools end earlier. As a result, New York athletes are more likely to miss out on national competitions or make tough trade offs. “I know if I missed those days, I’d struggle to catch up before exams,” Alix explained. “It’s not just the assignments, it’s the last minute prep that’s essential for doing well on the Regents.”

Despite the disappointment, Alix remains grounded. “You can’t dwell on the past. I’m only a sophomore. If I stay consistent in practice, I’ll be back at Nationals again.” She also has a message for fellow student athletes: “Don’t give up. Teachers will help you if you’re honest and ask. It’s tough, but with good time management and support, you can do both.”

Alix’s story is a reminder that behind every high achieving student athlete is a complex balancing act, one that deserves understanding, flexibility, and, perhaps, a closer look at how our systems impact young talent.

Congratulations, Alix. You’ve already won something bigger than a medal, our admiration.