Rebecca Oetken '25 Recruiting Profile

My name is Rebecca Oetken and I live in Sheridan, Wyoming. I currently attend Sheridan High School and will graduate in 2025. The high school season 2022/2023 was the beginning of my wrestling journey. I began wrestling the first year that Wyoming sanctioned women's wrestling as a high school sport. I joined the wrestling team because I enjoy trying new things and opening the doors for future athletes to do the same. Another reason I chose to wrestle was to stay fit and strong in the off-season for other sports. I quickly fell in love with wrestling, and have been dedicated to putting in the work for it ever since. At first, my coaches saw something in me that I didn't yet. When I stepped onto the mat for the first time, I didn't know what to expect. Now, I have high expectations and goals for myself that I will do whatever it takes to accomplish. 

In addition to wrestling, I participate in several other sports. I am on the girl's swim team as well as a club softball team. I also participate in weight/strength training classes through my school. As a multi-sport student athlete, it is a challenge to balance a busy schedule. My day begins with a morning workout, followed by a 7-hour school day, along with practice after school, and work in my free time. Time management is very important. I do my best to plan ahead and prioritize what needs to be done first in order to be successful. My college career goal is to graduate with a degree in the Exercise Science or Kinesiology field. More specifically, I have a dream of being an athletic trainer. 

Some of the qualities I have that I believe will contribute to my success as a college student and college athlete include a strong work ethic, determination, and passion for everything I do. Through sports, and wrestling in particular, I have learned to accept feedback and failures to be used as a learning opportunity. It is ok to make mistakes as long as I can let them go and grow from it going forward. I try to put the needs of the team above my own and encourage everyone to give 110%. In my opinion, the best thing about wrestling is the family you build, and the lifestyle you create while participating in something we love!