When Camille Hunter, 15, enters the room her positive attitude becomes contagious.

“Seeing her so passionate drives me,” said Camille’s CrossFit Coach, Spesh Robinson.

Hunter, a Southmoreland freshman, went to her private cheerleading lessons, but the last thing she was expecting was to end up trading in her pom poms for weights. She went to observe her old cheerleading coach’s CrossFit class after their session. Ever since that day, Hunter has fallen “deeper and deeper in love” with her new found favorite hobby.

Hunter started competing in February of 2014. She has made great strides since the beginning when she wasn’t able to qualify at her first competition. Throughout her many competitions, Hunter has worked very hard to accomplish one of her biggest goals, qualifying to compete at the Wodapalooza 2016 competition in Miami Jan. 15-17.

“I’m so excited to compete with world class athletes,” said Hunter.

Given the competitive nature of Wodapalooza, Hunter understands that as she’s improving, her competition is too. Hunter spends countless hours striving to improve as she works with Robinson.

“Seeing results as I progress makes me want to push myself more and more every day,” said Hunter. “It makes me want to spend every second dedicated to working out and getting better.”

Being at the gym every day, she practices for an hour, has Olympic lifting for three hours two days a week, and goes to open gyms on Sundays.

“The feeling I get after a workout is inexplainable,” said Hunter. “It’s kind of a feeling of accomplishment, and I know that doing what I love makes me happy.”

Hunter’s coach is very pleased with her progress and work ethic. Robinson has been coaching her for about eight months and has noticed her undying dedication and hard work.

“Camille has progressed at an above average pace in CrossFit,” said Robinson, “Especially considering she doesn’t come to CrossFit with a big sport background like some athletes.”

Robinson loves coaching Hunter because of her work ethic and because “she’s a fun individual to coach, making my job even more enjoyable.” Robinson said he “couldn’t be more proud” that Hunter has earned the opportunity to compete in Miami.

“Camille will always give 100 percent,” said Robinson, “No matter what is thrown out in front of her.”

Robinson has made a huge impact on Hunter’s life as the two worked together to help Hunter achieve her goal of qualifying for Wodapalooza. Hunter is very thankful to have a coach like the one she has. She is especially thankful for the CrossFit competitor that he has helped her become. Hunter can’t wait to improve even more with Robinson by her side.

“Without him I wouldn’t be this far at all and this experience definitely wouldn’t be the same,” said Hunter.