Interview: Stamatia Scarvelis

Stamatia Scarvelis is currently competing for the UCLA Bruins and attended Dos Pueblos High School in Santa Barbara, California. During her time at high school she boasts a large list of accomplishments:

Ranked the number 1 shot putter in the country
Pan American Games gold medallist
Three-time CIF state champion in the shot-put
USA Track and Field Junior National Champion

The Throwers Unite team was recently able to catch up with Stamatia and ask her a few questions…

Q. How did you get involved in throwing?

A. My oldest brother started track when he was young and then my other brother joined when he was old enough so it seemed natural for me to join the track club in 3rd grade. I started as a distance runner but my parents made me throw in one meet and I got last place in shot put and I hated it and didn’t throw again until I started competing in the multi events when I was 12. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I really focused on the throws.

Q. How has your Greek heritage influenced your throwing?

A.I am third generation Greek American and all of our family is Greek. My brother (Nicholas, also a thrower at UCLA) and I have both competed on US jr teams but we were approached last year by one of the Greek throws coaches about possibly competing for them. We’re very honored to have the opportunity to represent Greece. We had a great summer with the team, everyone was so welcoming and kind. And it presents great international competition opportunities.

Q. Who are some people that have supported you to where you are today?

A. I’ve been guided by so many selfless people that I’ve been able to learn from. But to be specific, my current coaches at UCLA (John Frazier and Mike Maynard) are so great to work with. They are patient with me and helped guide my transition last year both in the ring and out. I owe so so much to my high school coaches Kent and Ramona Pagel. They completely took me under their wing when I was 16 and showed me a whole new world where I found my passion. I learned how to train, how to compete and how to continually challenge myself. And of course my family. My brothers Steven and Nicholas were my very first coaches. They took the time to train with me, coach me, advise me and I learned dedication and work ethic by watching them for so many years. They were the perfect role models growing up and still are today. And of course I’d be no where without my mom and dad who did absolutely whatever it took for us to follow our passions. From going to every track meet to driving us all over to train with coaches all over the place. None of my successes would have been achieved without these remarkable people.

We thank Stamatia for her time and wish her all the best with the upcoming season!

For anyone wishing to follow her journey they can do so via instagram (@stamscarvelis)