Yim-Leej Yang '20 Recruiting Profile

I had a different perspective of wrestling after not making it into state tournament. I ran short by the last round with a pin. I knew I could become a better wrestler, so I seek additional training. I decided to spend my summer at JRobinson Wrestling Camp to help me become mentally and physically stronger in wrestling. If I made it to the end of one of the country's most intensive wrestling camp with a 15-mile run, whether I liked it or not, anything is possible. A person can always strive to be the best they can be, but some people choose to quit after multiple failures. As for me, I see failures as a lesson and a way for me to become better. I started wrestling at the age of 13 to explore the sport of wrestling, but it soon became a passion of mine. I tried out for wrestling with my friends as something to do for fun. During that time, I always thought to myself, can it get any better? Little did I know it changed my life forever. I have always believed that if you set your mind onto something, you can achieve it, and that is how I see wrestling. I not only focus on wrestling, but academics are an integral part of me. My motivation and dedication as a team captain and leading a positive example to others is one of my strengths.

Wrestling is a very tough sport as an individual's mentality is as important as endurance. Wrestling takes a significant toll on me physically and mentally. However, I am committed to it, and I have learned to enjoy wrestling. Wrestling has become a part of my life, and hardships I have learned along the way will stay with me as I move on to greater things in college. It defines who I am. To become the best wrestler that I can be, support from friends and families are crucial to success in the sport. My family's continual support motivated me to become a better wrestler as I strive to be placed at the state level competition. I also grew up with a very supportive family, but that does not mean I did not have struggles to overcome. I had to adhere to a strict diet to maintain my weight in order to make weight to wrestle. Just imagine being a normal 126-pound teenage boy having to cut to a 113 pound wrestler. My family would help with my diet and tell me what I should do and not do. Whenever I needed a ride to practice, they always made time for me. That is what keeps me going. My family motivates me to work hard in wrestling and in everything in life. I would not want to let them down, and I want them to be proud of me.

Wrestling is a sport that is not as popular in high school, but I went out of my comfort zone to try out something new. Exposing myself to new experiences helps me know what I like and to understand myself better. Wrestling taught me life lessons as well. If you want something, you will have to make a change. I wanted to become a better wrestler, so I started going to the gym every day and staying committed to my diet. During the summer  I would spend my time participating in wrestling camps to become better at my techniques & skills. During wrestling season I would wake up at 5 a.m. before school starts to run off my water weight in order to make weigh-ins. Wrestling has shown me that hard work does come with sacrifices.