Saquoia Dubuque '24 Recruiting Profile

I grew up being bullied and picked on at school. I always felt too scared to defend myself. I was even trying to become friends with my bully’s to show I had a big heart. But I had already developed a victim mindset.

Each year that went by, I struggled even more. I was mad at the world. Who knew a young girl could carry so much anger? I made friends with the wrong people, who led me down the wrong paths. I started failing school, losing trust from my family, and myself. This is how I channeled my anger from being picked on. I was chasing a high I could never reach.

In my young mind I thought my life couldn't throw me more challenges. I was wrong. When I turned 14 my older brother passed away. I have never felt so low in my life. Yet, at the same time I felt his guidance and his passion for life pulling me towards something greater. I wanted to start living my life to its full potential, like he did.

When I joined Wrestling my sophomore year, I was a transfer student and wasn't allowed to compete. I couldn't help but feel out of place, since I was the only girl wrestling. But I started noticing that I was really good at this sport. I started to feel less out of place, and I was practicing all year, and did off season workouts and competition. My junior year I was so excited to finally be able to compete for my school. I was not aware of how far my potential could take me. I was the first person in my school to make it to masters in six years.

I learned to be grateful for my life, grateful for the challenges I've faced, and showing that you can face down the bullies. Wanting to be the best version of myself, I see myself doing great things in the future. Wrestling not only fixed my health physically, but my mental health as well. I plan on wrestling in college, hopefully getting a scholarship. Wherever I go in the future I know I'll keep overcoming challenges, be good to myself, for my brother and this world. 

Finishing up my high school wrestling career. My senior wrestling season has been the best season for me so far I had many goals but one major goal was to make it to state, I placed 2nd at masters CIF, qualified for state lost on the third day in the blood round. I am now ranked 12 in the state of California for girls weight class of 135. I am looking forward to wrestling in college and accomplishing more goals I have with wrestling.