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Dixon Lifts Her Peers

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By CLIFF GILL, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 24, 2008

TRINITY - Three years ago, as a member of Mitchell High's softball team, Tenisha Dixon realized she needed to improve. Succeeding at a higher level required increased strength and better conditioning. She turned to her mother, Regenia, Mitchell's assistant weightlifting coach. Shortly afterward, Dixon began lifting weights regularly.

"I started weightlifting primarily for physical strength, but it helped me develop an inner strength and a mind strength as well. Weightlifting has helped me to focus better. The sport has taught me to discipline myself and believe that I could achieve more. Ultimately, I led a healthier lifestyle, became stronger and had more energy," she said.

Dixon's strength increased steadily. By her junior year, she had won All-Conference honorable mention for her weight class.

"Even though I had some success, I did not do as well as I was capable of doing. Competing against the best inspired me to improve," she said.
Dixon made a personal commitment to get better and, at this year's competition, won the sectional meet. She went on to place 11th at the state tournament.

Her weightlifting coach, Debbie Biscardi, said Dixon is a positive force in the weight room.

"She's focused and leads by example. Plus, she is always there to help and encourage others," Biscardi said.

One of Dixon's teammates is sophomore Hannah Gatley. Gatley, a first-year lifter, says Dixon has been her inspiration.

"Shortly after I started lifting, I reached a weight that I could not exceed. Tenisha came over and taught me how to improve my balance and lifting techniques. Her believing in me helped me to believe in myself. I can now lift 110 pounds on the clean-and-jerk, which I never thought I could ever achieve," Gatley said.

With the weightlifting season completed, Dixon can focus on her primary sport, softball. A .300 hitter every season, she has received numerous awards. Last year, Dixon made tremendous strides, capturing first-team All-Conference and honorable mention All-Tribune Pasco County recognition.

Several colleges, including four Division I schools, offered her a scholarship. She accepted a full scholarship offer from the University of Central Florida, becoming the first African-American student-athlete from Mitchell to receive a full scholarship from a Division I school.
Dixon also has excelled in the classroom, sporting a 3.8 GPA. She is a member of the school's high honor roll and has taken college-level courses in calculus, environmental science, English composition and Spanish.

Michelle Chamberlin, Mitchell's career specialist, said Dixon has been nominated for the High School Heisman Award. Sponsored by Wendy's, this award recognizes outstanding student-athletes.

"Tenisha is a role model who has contributed positively to our school community by encouraging others and by her strong character," Chamberlin said.

After school, Dixon participates in Youth Leadership Pasco, which allows students from local high schools to meet with business and government leaders.

"This experience has allowed me to meet some incredible students and to expand my career options. Nearly every corporate executive or government official we met with spoke about how they have helped other people, the environment or have had some improvement on society. That kind of impact on others appeals to me," said Dixon.
Dixon is already having a positive impact on others.

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In The Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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