(Griswold, IA) — Griswold is in the middle of its first ever girls wrestling season by itself and Lexi Dofner has overcome a lot to be one of its leaders on the mat.
Dofner has had to overcome a lot to compete in wrestling this season. In first grade, Dofner frequently suffered seizures and had to adapt. In 7th grade, Dofner was hit in the head with a basketball and had to stay in the hospital for three days because she was having full body spasms. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome which was shocking to her
To most people, Tourette’s is a syndrome that is commonly associated with involuntary speech — cursing without control for instance. Dofner has a different type of Tourette’s
When she was diagnosed, she thought her athletic career was over but instead it was just beginning. After getting out of the hospital, she came back and played in a basketball game a day later and forced herself to overcome it. She would also play softball, volleyball, track, and dance. She has since cut back because her interests have changed. She is still a part of dance but wrestling came into the picture because of her family and she could not resist it
Dofner takes medication to control her seizures but takes nothing for Tourette’s. She has never had an incident during a match and does not intend to. She continues to live her life with Tourette’s and not let the syndrome live the life for her
Wins have not come easily for Dofner this season — she is 5-12. Dofner says she hopes to continue dance or wrestling after high school but is also considering getting a welding certification. Griswold will compete in the East Mills Invitational tonight.
Complete Interview with Griswold Senior Lexi Dofner
