LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Sophia Garcia's path to the Scripps National Spelling Bee started with a book in second grade.
"I realized this is actually fun, and then I read even more," Garcia said.
That love of reading led her to try her school's spelling bee in seventh grade.
"I just remember the word I got out on — shebang — I never got over it," Garcia said.
A year later, Garcia won first place at her school's spelling bee, earning a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete at the national level.
"I thought I was dreaming. I was convinced I was going to wake up," Garcia said.
The soon-to-be high school student prepares for the national stage by practicing spelling daily and competing in fencing — a sport she credits for helping her manage competition nerves.
"Fencing competitions, they're also very nerve-wracking, and it's helped me have better ways to deal with it, like breathing exercises," Garcia said.
Garcia hopes to spell every word correctly on the national stage, but she says representing her hometown is already a win.
"Being able to represent Nevada and Las Vegas is just something I'm very proud of," Garcia said.
You can watch the Scripps National Spelling Bee starting on Tuesday, May 26, on ION and Scripps Sports.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
-
Family says pneumonia, sepsis led to death of NASCAR’s Kyle Busch
Two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, 41, died from sepsis after pneumonia, with racing peers honoring him at Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.
A 45-0-0 streak ends, and the Avalanche’s scoring touch vanishes in Game 2
The Colorado Avalanche are struggling to find the net, losing 3-1 to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final in Denver.
NASCAR speaks about the loss of Kyle Busch (Courtesy of ABC)
NASCAE pays their respects to the Las Vegas native who became one of NASCAR's most decorated drivers of all time. (Courtesy of ABC)
Las Vegas mourns the loss of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch
Racing fans gathered at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to pay their respects to the Las Vegas native who became one of NASCAR's most decorated drivers of all time.
