*UPDATE: On Tuesday, Oct. 12, Sophia Franklin was voted off “The Biggest Loser” after losing only two pounds in a week. She lost a total of 47  pounds.

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WJ counselor Sophia Franklin, who is currently on leave,  made an emotional debut on Tuesday night’s two-hour premiere of “The Biggest Loser.” Weighing in at 272 pounds, Franklin tearfully admitted that she neglected her weight after her brother died in a car accident last year.

Franklin was selected as one of three finalists from a pool of contestants in Detroit, Mich. for a slot on the show’s tenth season. Franklin won her first challenge with her determination and pacing in the 500 step-up workout. That effort guaranteed her a place on the show’s ranch, where contestants will endure grueling workouts to reach a healthy weight.

Franklin took a one-year leave of absence from WJ to compete on “The Biggest Loser.” In addition to working as a counselor, Franklin was also WJ’s varsity cheerleading coach. She is currently the JV coach for Clarksburg High School’s cheer squad.

“I thought it was great for her to go on ‘The Biggest Loser,'” said senior cheerleader AnneMarie Fisher. “She was so excited and I think it is a great experience.”

Her former colleagues admire her confidence.

“I’m proud of her,” said academic support center teacher Diane Chace. “I thought she did great. I think it takes a lot of guts to get up on a scale in front of everyone.”

Counselor Erika Murray has seen Franklin’s determination first hand from being colleagues with her.

“I think it’s great that she’s doing it,” said Murray. “I know, just from working with her, it’s something that she’s really wanted and worked for and I hope it works out for her.”

Tune in to NBC next Tuesday at 8 p.m.to watch Franklin and other contestants train like the Marines!