CARLA ANGUEIRA

2023: This testimonial is not much about physical achievements on sport, it is more about how self-confidence can translate to athletic performance. Our daughter Carla was a very talented gymnast, but after injuries and coaches not caring about her physical and mental health, it was decided that Carla needed to get out of that gym. Unfortunately, the damage was done and Carla decided to stop the only sport she practiced for over 6-7 years. A once very confident girl, was now full of self-doubt and afraid of speaking up.

A few months later, Carla approached us indicating that she wanted to try new things. Coach Hugo has been a good friend of the family so it was not surprising to us when she said “I want to try high jump with Hugo”. Coach Hugo at kangaroo track club – an accomplished athlete, great coach, and family man took “la sobrina (the niece)” under his wing in September 2022. Coach Hugo was cleared on what he wanted to do, and it wasn’t about personal records. He knew Carla’s background and his main focus was to work on her confidence and building her trust. Hugo’s has been working with Carla on how to let go of her fears, to play freely and have fun instead of holding back, and focusing on the process and not the results. Also, due to our close friendship, Coach Hugo taught us (as parents) what we needed to work on in order to maintain Carla’s confidence and be supportive all the time. He made it clear that we are her safe haven.

Hugo encouraged Carla to play around with different sports, but always had the vision (even when Carla was doing gymnastics) about Carla doing pole vaulting and be good at it. After a few sessions (high jump and talks) with coach Hugo, we as parents knew that we had our daughter back, full of joy and happiness. Carla was full of confidence and not afraid of speaking up, which drove Carla to wanting to try track and field.

In her first Junior High Track and Field season (February to March 2023 – only 5 months in this journey), with her self-confidence running high, Carla established herself in track and field and personal achievements followed.

High jump – PR: 4’ – 8”

Long jump – PR: 16’ – 6”

Pole vaulting – PR: 10’9″

4x100m – 51:55

4x200m – 1:50:37

4x400m – 4:27:89

200m – PR: 27:95

Carla’s school ended up winning the MS District Title with her been the District MVP by scoring 30 points, winning 3 events, and breaking schools and district records!!!!

2024 update: Carla kept training at Kangaroo Track Club with Coach Hugo and ended up having a fantastic HS season for Seven Lakes HS in Katy, TX (District and Area Champion) and she also won the Puerto Rican U20 National Championship! Her new PR is 19’1” (#1 HS Freshman in the nation)

NOTE: To see a video of Carla jumping 19’1″ please click HERE