Stephanie Gonzalez '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello.  My name is Stephanie Gonzalez, and I LOVE TO WRESTLE!  I've got a bit of an interesting story...

At the beginning of my Freshman year in high school, I had NEVER been in any sport and would never have thought I'd become an athlete. My sister-in-law and brother basically forced me to join wrestling, because they said that I couldn't just float through high school doing nothing.  I was scared and unsure about going, but I went.  It turns out, it's really fun, and I quickly fell in love with the sport.  Soon, I was looking forward to practice every day and competitions on the weekends.  I was able to wrestle Varsity as a Freshman (and my first year ever as an athlete) and I was loving every minute of it.  Unfortunately, in December of my freshman year, I tore my ACL during a match, so I didn't get to finish my freshman season.  I worked hard in therapy and put in the extra effort at home to ensure that when my doctor released my that I would be as strong as I possibly could. 

Fast forward to September of my Sophomore year.... I finally got released by my doctor!  Because I had worked hard for the previous 9 months, I was able to jump right back in to full practice and competition.  I again was able to fight on our Varsity team throughout my Sophomore season. I competed in every single match and competition my coach lined up for the season, and I earned numerous victories over my opponents. I earned 2nd Place at District and went on to compete at Regionals, where I was knocked out on the second day.  Despite the fact that I didn't place at Regionals, I am so proud of myself for making it as far as I did as such a young wrestler.  I finished my first full season with a record of 29-12.

This season ended, but next season has already begun. I saw what it takes to make it to bigger and better things, and I am going to do everything I can to get there.  My big goal next year is to be a State Qualifier, and I know that if I continue to go to every practice my coach plans, go to every camp I can find (and my family can afford), and workout on both strength and endurance that I can accomplish my goal. Making it to state will just get me one step closer to my ultimate goal of wrestling in college, and I WILL get myself there!