{"id":27379,"date":"2019-06-06T07:30:03","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T12:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.discoverclarksville.com\/articles\/?p=27379"},"modified":"2019-06-06T01:46:27","modified_gmt":"2019-06-06T06:46:27","slug":"apsu-biology-senior-to-represent-team-usa-at-world-university-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discoverclarksville.com\/articles\/2019\/06\/06\/apsu-biology-senior-to-represent-team-usa-at-world-university-games\/","title":{"rendered":"APSU biology senior to represent Team USA at World University Games"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AustinClarksville, TN<\/strong> – Austin Peay State University (APSU) biology student Brinna Lavelle won a bronze medal for Team USA at the America Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil last July.<\/p>\n

This July, the senior Governor hopes to win another medal on a bigger stage, the World University Games in Naples, Italy. She thinks she\u2019ll do well.<\/p>\n

\"Austin<\/a>

Austin Peay State University\u2019s Brinna Lavelle will compete in judo July 6th-7th at the World University Games in Naples, Italy. (APSU)<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the last one was my very first international competition, I feel like I\u2019m going to be more prepared,\u201d she said. \u201cI know what to expect, and it\u2019s going to be a lot more fun.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a lot bigger this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed. The World University Games are the second-largest multisport event in the world after the summer Olympics. More than 9,000 athletes from across the world compete.<\/p>\n

The World University Games are July 3rd-14th. Lavelle competes July 6th-7th individually (in the 52-kilogram weight class) and in the team competition.<\/p>\n

Lavelle learned from last summer\u2019s games.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe international style definitely is a lot different than the American style, they\u2019re a lot faster and stronger,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

To adjust for this summer\u2019s games, Lavelle changed her training. She added strength and conditioning as wells as speed drills.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo get faster at what I\u2019m doing, and trying to be more aggressive, not in a mean sense, but constantly going for stuff instead of my more laid-back style,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Veterinarian, Olympic Dreams<\/h3>\n
\"Austin<\/a>

Austin Peay State University\u2019s Brinna Lavelle won bronze at last July\u2019s America Games. She hopes to follow up with success at the bigger World University Games this July in Naples, Italy. (APSU)<\/p><\/div>\n

After she earns her biology degree at Austin Peay, Lavelle wants to go to veterinarian school.<\/p>\n

She hasn\u2019t picked a graduate school yet but is exploring places such as Pennsylvania University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Texas A&M, where Team USA coach Bob Perez works.<\/p>\n

[320left]\u201cWhile I\u2019m in vet school, I\u2019m going to train as much as I can,\u201d she said. \u201cAfter I finish vet school, I\u2019m going to go back to training hard and find out if I can go further than just these international tournaments.\u201d<\/p>\n

By that, she means the Olympics.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is something I\u2019d like to see if I can do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Currently, Lavelle trains six days a week and shadows at the Animal Hospital of Clarksville. She\u2019s set to graduate from Austin Peay next spring.<\/p>\n

Competing, Touring in Italy<\/h3>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to go to Italy,\u201d Lavelle said. \u201cThat\u2019s my No. 1 country, so I\u2019m really excited. There\u2019s so much history.\u201d<\/p>\n

She plans to attend the opening ceremonies on July 3 and stay after she competes to tour the country.<\/p>\n

But the competition is the top priority.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying to stay optimistic, I definitely think I have a chance to place or win,\u201d Lavelle said. \u201cBut I know it\u2019s going to be tough.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all about making a step in the right direction, moving forward,\u201d she added. \u201cBut I\u2019m always disappointed if I don\u2019t finish first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Learn From A World-Class Judo Athlete<\/h3>\n

Lavelle is leading a 3:00pm judo seminar June 8th at Renzo Gracie Clarksville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 200 Harnett Court, Clarksville. Proceeds will help fund Lavelle\u2019s trip to Italy. The seminar is $30 per person, and you can walk in the day of the seminar. Additional donations will be accepted. Call 931.241.2159 for more.<\/p>\n

Lavelle’s Credentials<\/h3>\n