Alexa, the Belizean Lioness

This week, Sabreena wraps up her look on the bright side through patriotism. She met a young, aspiring wrestler that’s making waves in her discipline as young as eleven years old. Alexa Smith is a winning M.M.A. fighter, but she wants the world to know first and foremost that she is Belizean to the bone.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

This is Alexa Smith, a typical eleven-year-old kid. Her hobbies are cooking, baking for her dad, editing videos and dancing. She was born and raised in the United States, but shares Belizean roots from her father, Aaron Smith, originally from Orange Walk District. Alexa is also an M.M.A. fighter.

Alexa Smith, M.M.A. Fighter
“I do Muay Thai, Jujitsu and Wrestling. And for wrestling, I’m actually a two-time state champ- Freestyle and Folkstyle. And for Jujitsu, I recently won this belt like two weeks ago. It was really exciting because I’ve always wanted to win it and now, I’ve finally won it.”

Her dad, Aaron Smith, was the first Belizean to win the IBJJF World Championship in 2019, a Brazilian Jujitsu tournament. He fought professionally as a grappler, but now focuses his energy on his daughter. Alexa, the Belizean Lioness, is her stage name. She trains six days a week and when competing, skips out on tortillas.

Alexa Smith
“Sometimes I train in my garage in the morning and after school and I would just work on my stuff. Sometimes even with my brother, we work on our moves. In the evening when we go train, we can work on those, like when we spar, or just ask questions if we messed up in the morning. When there’s a tournament around, I try to just eat healthy. In the mornings, it would just be eggs and beans and fruit. In the evening, I would eat chicken, beans and protein. I avoid tortillas, which I miss. But it’s worth it in the end because I had to make weight and look at the things I’ve won.”

…and winning matches is not the only thing that motivates the young wrestler.  Alexa feels connected to her Belizean heritage. Aside from her moniker, she has branded herself with symbols of Belize and even hopes to come home to interact with other youths to share messages of inspiration.

Alexa Smith
“First, it started off with just the Lioness, but I wanted to add in my Belizean roots, so we decided to make it the Belizean Lioness so I can show everyone that I am from Belize and I’m not afraid to show it. It has Belize right here, this is a Jaguar, and in the back, I have a toucan. So, this is what I wear to compete so I can show off my country. I want to go over there so I can tell them that anything is possible. I want to show them to not be afraid to try something new, maybe you will like it but you will never know if you don’t try it. I want to inspire them to try something new.”

Alexa Smith
“I name Alexa the Belizean Lioness looking pan di bright side.”

And I’m Sabreena Daly.