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As I sit here writing this editor’s letter for our February sports-themed issue, I’m trying to conjure up as many memories as I can about the role athletics have played in my life. The first recollection I have of sports (as a participator, not a spectator) was Field Day. In Massachusetts, it was an annual event in public elementary schools where students competed in all sorts of sporting events, including the ever-popular “race around the school” (for which, ahem, I earned a blue ribbon nearly every year—I was small and fast back then!). It was like a small-town Olympics for amateurs, and I loved it.
I went on to run a road race sponsored annually by the local Boys and Girls Club and ended up with a second-place trophy, but running wasn’t really my thing. I played softball for a stretch but wasn’t super keen on that either. Gymnastics was my sport. I think I competed as a gymnast for about six years or so. But that was the end of my organized sports life. I discovered I was way more into dance, and that quickly took over my life.
I am in total awe of anyone with the amount of self-discipline it takes to be a pro athlete. To reach the top of their game, they put in hours and hours and years and years of training. They possess major responsibility and accountability, endless ambition, and an ability to overcome setbacks. (And yeah, talent too of course.) Top athletes are on another level when it comes to being competitive—and I mean with themselves. They are always striving to be better and achieve their goals.
So, a huge hats off to this month’s cover star, Jessica Korda! Jess has been playing golf since she was a kid and has appeared on the LPGA Tour since 2011. While her sister, Nelly, soared to number one in the world last year, Jess had to leave the tour in November after suffering a back injury. But she has been recovering at home in Jupiter, and she’s ready to hit the 2023 tour stronger and more focused than ever. I can’t wait to watch her on the circuit, and I wish her the best of luck out there. Read her story in “The Comeback Kid,” starting on page 48.
Our Character profile this month is on Chelsea Hollingsworth-Barnhill, a Treasure Coast physical therapist who is kicking butt and taking names on the triathlon scene. Triathletes have to be equally adept at running, cycling, and swimming, making Chelsea a true triple threat, and last fall she competed in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Turn to page 38 to learn more about her.
If you’re a baseball fan, you’re probably pretty excited about the start of spring training this month. Before you head to a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Clover Park, or The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, check out “Spring Training Done Right” on page 56. It’s filled with insider tips on everything from where to sit to how to score an autograph to which players to keep your eye on this season.
Peace and
blessings,
Michelle Lee Ribeiro michelle@jupitermag.com @mleerib
