The gym at Patrick M. Villano School got really quiet when Rachel DeGutz came up to speak. She was on American Ninja Warrior, but she didn’t just talk about the show. She talked about never giving up and about all the hard things she went through, like failing and trying again, and how she kept going. Afterward, students and teachers also said it wasn’t just a regular assembly. It was a lesson in following one’s dreams, even when things are really hard.
“What stood out to me in Rachel’s story was her determination and grit to try and try again until she succeeded,” Erin Amicucci said. The fifth-grade teacher said she learned that you should never see failure as the end and to always try again.
DeGutz has competed on America Ninja Warrior six times, according to her personal website. The television show has an obstacle course where people race to see if they can make it to the end without falling.
“I was really scared to try Ninja [American Ninja Warrior] and go after my dream … I wish I had someone encouraging me to start,” states the website.
She was a middle school science teacher, not a professional athlete, and now DeGutz travels as a motivational speaker.
“Hearing Rachel’s story reminded me of the challenges in my own life that I have overcome. It reminded me that no matter what hard thing you are experiencing, there is always a way to get past them. It taught me to never give up, and she taught me that you should surround yourself with people who support you and lift you up to be your best self. I think she puts out a great message in a fun engaging way showing off the obstacles of the ninja challenges.”
Amicucci explained that DeGutz’s message connected to both students and teachers because everyone faces challenges in different ways. DeGutz talked about her experience training to become an American Ninja Warrior contestant, including some of the struggles she encountered and how long it took her to complete her goals. She said that when she finally got around to it, she practiced for many years and built enough strength, balance and confidence. She also spoke about how many times she failed obstacles to finally be successful, which is proof hard work and persistence pays. During the assembly, she even showed off some moves and answered questions students had about her journey.
Amicucci said she appreciated how DeGutz made her story relatable by sharing real struggles and how she overcame them step by step. She also noted that DeGutz’s positive attitude and energy made the assembly more engaging, helping the audience stay interested while learning an important life lesson about perseverance and support.
“Something that stood out to me was how determined Rachel [DeGutz} was trying so hard to become a champion in Ninja Warrior,” Aarna Domadia said.
Domadia said that as a fifth-grader, she was inspired to keep on trying and to follow her goals.
“Rachel’s [DeGutz’s] hard work made me want to keep trying harder and challenging things because her story was so inspiring,” Domadia said.
