Graphic by Willow Price

Mirra previously played for the Division I East Carolina University’s volleyball team. She was very dedicated to volleyball, and it left her with little time to ride.

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“I rode when I was a kid just for fun, and I really loved it, but I have… done sports my whole life, so my time was very consumed with gymnastics and travel volleyball,” Mirra said. “I never really had the opportunity to go anywhere with [dirtbiking], but now that I'm done with volleyball, it is the perfect opportunity to continue.”

Mirra received her first bike at a very young age; it was then that her love for motocross was born. Although other sports took her attention and time, she eventually came back around to the bike. Mirra’s mother, Lauren Everett, believes that she is one to try new things and not back down.

“You tell her she can’t do something, she's gonna want to do it that much more,” Everett said. “She’s willing to start from the ground up and learn and grow… she gets that part [from her father] honest.”

Mirra is one to explore all sorts of new things and sports, just like her father. She is known as being competitive, even with herself, and a hard worker. Her drive does not go unnoticed.

“Living my life to the fullest is another thing; I want to feel complete when I die, I want to feel like I've completed everything that I've wanted to do,” Mirra said. “I like having consistent goals to work towards and the feeling of success after that.”

Even though many people are unfamiliar with the sport, motocross requires certain strenuous skills. This includes being in tune with all of your muscles, mind, and, of course, the bike.

“It takes a lot of fitness, a lot of muscles you don’t use on a daily basis, and just not underestimating it; [motocross] looks very easy,” Mirra said. “The bike is so powerful, and you have to use everything you have to hang on.”

From previous experiences, Mirra recognizes the danger of this sport. After she suffered a cracked rib and bone bruises a few months ago, she has become more knowledgeable in safe riding.

“It's already a dangerous sport, so not trying to work myself up for one jump… [and] just naturally letting myself be ready to do those things,” Mirra said.

Traveling all the way to the West Coast, Mirra has made many connections along her journey. Each of whom encourages her, growing her passion even more.

“There's so many all the way around, especially traveling, the past few weeks going to races, I’ve met so many people,” Mirra said. “I like how I can introduce myself saying that [Dave Mirra] was my dad because it builds connections… but I’m also creating my own path, so it's not like I’m going right off of his, but they're getting to know me as a person.”

Mirra is taking it day by day and learning all the ins and outs of the sport. She is enjoying the process. 

“You don’t eat an elephant in one bite, you eat it one at a time,” Everett said.