Viviana Barboza '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Viviana Barboza, I am currently a senior attending Cypress Woods High School. Throughout the years, I have learned to pursue things I’m passionate about, never giving up on my goals, focus on self-improvement and how to navigate distractions. I have learned to mature as an individual and understand how to lead a team by my actions. Becoming a wrestler was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. 

My passion for the sport started when I was really little and I would always fight with my dad or my brother. I always loved to be aggressive and playful. It’s no surprise why I took such an interest in the sport when it was introduced to me as an eighth grader. I didn’t know what to expect of the sport, but something about the sport was so appealing. One year into the sport I knew this sport is where I belonged. The challenges in wrestling can teach you much about yourself and the world around you. I wouldn't be able to do it without my family, coaches, and most importantly God. 

Wrestling taught me a lot about hard work and not giving up, even when things get really tough. It taught me to be independent, disciplined and grow to become a mature resilient woman.   I learned how important it is to stick to your goals, no matter how hard it gets. Wrestling was tough and threw a lot of challenges my way, but it made me stronger and taught me to keep going. I’m fortunate to have such supportive parents by my side to keep me motivated and focused on the morals and values. 

It's important for me to make sure I stay on track and focused on the things I need to accomplish my goals.  Independence and discipline are one of them.  Over the years I have grown to be an independent and self-sustained woman while also contributing to family responsibilities.  As I was going to school, after school practice and working a part-time job, I managed to also help my grandmother with her lung transplant.  It was very tiring and was taking every breath in me, but we made it.  After a year since the transplant, I look back at my life and see how much I have developed myself both mentally and spiritually.  The every-day grind did not stop me from moving forward, little did I know that I was preparing myself mentally to push forward through any adversity.  Knowing that my grandma needed our support and our prayers, gave me even more strength to keep pushing.

Every young adult comes to a point where you have to make difficult decisions to pursue your goals.  I’m proud of the fact that partying, drinking, and wasting time on other activities that don’t align with my goals were never part of my agenda.  I’ve been working part time since I was 14 yrs. old and I’ve learned great work habits and gained real life experience, but I decided it was time to take it to the next level in my wrestling.  I quit my job and joined Global Wrestling Club.  From this point on, I felt like a mature woman.  Taking my life experiences, both good and bad, my struggles, my happy times, and align them with my life goals.  I felt like a new woman. I said to myself that I would place top 3 in the state and I feel like I’m on the right path.  Because of all of this positive energy, it inspired me to continue my education after High School and continue the sport I love so much.