Photo: Getty Images

Savvy Simo, one of the brightest talents in USA Beach Volleyball, faced an extraordinary challenge recently. Thousands of miles from home, sleepless and battling anxiety, she and her partner Van Winkle managed to secure a stunning victory in the first round against Italy.

Battling Inner Demons on the Court

"It feels like you're going through the motions," Simo said. "I started panicking about it."

Despite the sensory overload and the overwhelming feeling of disassociation, Simo described herself as being "on fire, phenomenal" on the court. Yet, inside, she was struggling to maintain her composure, cursing herself as a way to wake up her mind.

Overcoming Adversity Against Top Teams

During their match against China, with rain pouring down on weirdly lit courts, Simo experienced a full-blown panic attack. She began giving up points consecutively, but with encouragement from her teammates, including Kim Hildreth and Teegan Van Gunst, she managed to regain focus and secure the win.

"I felt numb," she said. "But I was able to check back in and we won, and after I just crumbled."

A Journey of Mental and Physical Transformation

Simo's journey hasn't been without significant effort. At the start of the year, she committed to a strict regimen, avoiding alcohol, sugar, gluten, and dairy for 75 days. This discipline helped her achieve peak physical fitness and mental clarity, as evidenced by her impressive performance on the court.

In the final round of the Guadalajara Challenge qualifier, Simo and Van Winkle stunned the reigning Olympic bronze medalists from Switzerland. Their momentum continued with a gold win at NORCECA in Varadero, Cuba, and a strong finish at AVP Huntington Beach.

Turning Anxiety into a Superpower

Simo has come to accept her anxiety as both a burden and a gift. With over 40,000 followers, she uses her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges.

"I am healthy," she said. "How can I turn anxiety into a superpower? How can I use it to better myself, better other people, encourage them to follow their dreams?"

With her exceptional talent and resilience, Simo is poised to continue making waves in the beach volleyball world, turning her struggles into a source of strength and inspiration.

Editor: Vitalina Patskan