Rebekah Koolstra '21 Recruiting Profile

I started wrestling my sophomore year of high school, because my sister Rachel was the only girl on the team and it was her senior year. I thought to myself and said "would you want to be the only girl on a boys team", and yes a boys team. since our school only had me and my older sister in the wrestling program at that time there was no need for them to decide and make a girls team, so we practiced with the boys. although it would of been nice to have a girls team it pushed us to become stronger and work harder to prove we belonged. it was hard at first because I didn't really understand the sport, but then it clicked I started improving and understanding , and most importantly winning. I came back my junior year this time with two new freshman girls and things kicked off great 2 wins by pin and one loss by points I'd say it was good. Then came the biggest tournament of the year, I was helping a teammate warm up just before weigh ins and she slammed me on the ground and I dislocated my SC joint in my collar bone and fractured a small part in my rib. I was out for a couple weeks then got cleared that same day I went to practice and proved nothing could hold me back.  A week later was districts. First match pin, second match loss, third match pin, the next day I was in the constellation round the pressure was on first match pin. the last match to prove if i was going to stay in or go home. beginning of the round 1:30 seconds on the clock fighting through I made it to round 2.  forty five seconds into that round she throws me in a head and arm, I land on my left shoulder the one that I just got cleared for I was in pain but I keep fighting. i end up losing but I know I put up a great effort. I get some ice, some hugs from my teammates and sat down and thought to myself Since the beginning I have pushed myself so hard I came back from an injury when the doctors told me I would be out for the rest of the season and I made to the second and final day of districts I shouldn't be upset but proud of myself. even though I didn't make it to regionals or state. I surpassed my goals of winning to the people I had lost to before, and making to the second day of districts, and learning new tricks, and throws, and technique and that's all that really matters to me. When something I become invested into works out I feel on top of the world and I know those things don't come easily. My coaches now how hard I push myself as well, They've taught me to. But to that covid-19 came and it may take away my senior year of any sports, but that won't stop me from pursuing my interests yeah it's going to be tough but i think we'll all get through it together. So that's my story, my journey, or whatever you want to call it, But it's me.