Thea Rowland '25 Recruiting Profile

When I was 3 years old I joined my local dance studio where my sister had been dancing for a few years. It soon became clear to my parents that I was never going to be a dancer like my sister, so they signed me up at the martial arts school next door. After quickly learning the basics I couldn't wait to join the grappling classes with the bigger kids. I continued MMA until I started middle school where I joined the wrestling team. Despite being the only girl on a team of 60 boys, and never having any girls to wrestle, I didn't let that stop me and I worked hard, resulting in becoming captain of the team in 8th grade.

From there I joined the high school team as one of 3 girls. Training with boys has given me strength and determination and I am not afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. 

My freshman season didn't go so well, but I learned resilience, focus, and perseverance. I was not disheartened when I didn't make it to States, it only put a fire under me.

My sophomore season I started with a mission, and a newfound confidence and mental toughness. With this, I went on to win the conference and region titles and placed 4th at States. I believe that by becoming more confident in my shots and taking risks, I am no longer holding myself back. At the end of the high school season, I decided to focus on off-season training and tournaments. I put myself out there by competing at duals and freestyle tournaments. I placed second at Freestyle States and got to go to Fargo for the first time.

Off the mat, I like to play lacrosse, hang out with friends and bake with my sister. I don't have much free time as I work two part-time jobs to save for college, and I am also a Lieutenant at my local Police Explorers post. We meet every other week, and in the summer I spend 3 weeks volunteering as a counselor at the Police Youth Week Summer Camp.

Recently I was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award for service to my community as a police explorer. 

I can't imagine my life beyond high school without wrestling and I really hope to continue doing the sport I love at college level. 

My parents were right, I was never going to be a dancer.