Meet Lienne Cupal, a freshman from Utah who is an avid rock climber and a member of the USA Climbing Team. She's currently ranked 27th in the nation, and spends hours per week training at gyms in her home state.
My ICA Story
I was born in China, but my sister and I were adopted as infants and are U.S. citizens. My best friend's mother recommended ICA when my mom was looking for an online academy I could do at home. I started distance learning because I was very sick with a pulmonary disorder, and I usually missed several months of public school. My mom also liked the Christian emphasis that ICA provides.
I like the fact that I have the flexibility to schedule when I complete my classwork so that I can compete in climbing and also be a musician. I've been pleasantly surprised by the genuine caring and warmth of the teachers and staff at ICA. I feel recognized as an individual and for good school work even though I'm in a virtual classroom.
Hobbies
I participate in my church youth group and a community service group. I also enjoy playing harp, writing, reading, hiking, making pottery, wire sculpting, and rock climbing. Both of my parents are good climbers, so my sister and I started at an early age. I started training in earnest about six years ago, and was asked to join the local branch of the USA Climbing Team.
My favorite thing about the sport is the balance of physical strength and concentration of the mind that it takes, as well as the confidence it has given me. I feel much more confident to deal with personal challenges.
Training to Rank Nationally
There are many indoor climbing gyms across the country, but only some offer training for the USA Team. I train at Rockhaus, our local climbing gym, and Momentum, Utah's largest indoor climbing gym located in Salt Lake City. I practice three times a week indoors, for approximately three hours each session.
Climbing Competitions
Local competitions occur first, and can be held anywhere from Salt Lake City to Idaho to southern New Mexico, Arizona, or California. We are required to compete in at least two competitions before going to the regional competition, but my sister and I usually do four or five local competitions to get the experience.
Divisional and national championships are by invitation only, and are based upon ranking with other girls in my age category. The year is divided into two sections: ABS (bouldering), where the climber attempts several short routes with landing mats rather than climbing ropes for protection, and SCS (roped sport climbing), where the climber uses a lead or top-rope and is belayed from below. I compete in both categories.
2014 Nationals
Nationals took place in July of this year in Atlanta, Georgia. Climbing is unique in that you do your best as an individual and are ranked accordingly. The ranking you receive benefits your team at either the local or national level. Each state is different, but I believe the rankings of all who compete in Utah are combined for the team ranking. The top four competitors in each age category at nationals go on to World Cup and Pan American Games for Team USA. My current ranking of 27 is based on the
2014-2015 nationals standing.
Future Dreams
In addition to climbing, I love to write, take pictures, and study animals. If I could choose any career it would be a writer, photographer, or animal behaviorist. Someday I would also like to play the pedal harp in a symphony and climb in other countries.
Words of Wisdom
If I could offer a bit of advice to my classmates, it would be to always try your hardest and don't give up. Keep setting goals and try to achieve them. All things work together for good for those who love God.
Lienne's goal in the coming years is to rank higher at nationals as she continues to train in rock climbing.