Daniel Pereira '21 Recruiting Profile

Unlike many other wrestlers,   wrestling for me didn't start until 7th grade.  Although I was new to the sport, I had been training Brazilian JiuJitsu since age 4 reaching a green belt by the age of 14.    Training BJJ thought me the importance of self-control.  Wrestling was different; it helped me to focus and taught me the power of grit, resilience, and commitment.  This sport quickly became my passion.  Year after year and in every practice, I strive to improve my skills and become a better wrestler and the best version of myself.   

I was very fortunate to be given a position in the Varsity team during my freshman year and to appreciate the importance of teamwork.  That year we won the District State Tournament.  What a powerful feeling!   To prepare for the following year, I attended the Princeton Camp and a series of seminars by some powerful wrestlers.  Unfortunately, my sophomore year was plagued by a series of injuries that deflated my spirit and resulted in a weak season.   Despite my shortcomings,  I committed to improving, and that post-high school season, I participated in War at the Shore tournament, placing 6th.  This achievement, coupled with a dedicated effort to train with Total Force Wrestling Club  help me regain my confidence, and rebuild my wrestling passion.    My Junior year was a testament to the power of dedication, and perseverance.   I have beaten all the odds, finish 3rd in Districts, Second in the Region, and qualified for States, ending top 16th.  

In a similar way, being part of the Air Force Jr ROTC program at my school gave me an amazing opportunity to build strong leadership skills.   My commitment allowed me to be selected (as a sophomore) to complete the Cadet Leadership Course at Fort Dix.    This helped me strengthen my physical abilities,  built mental focus,  and develop my leadership skills.  Wrestling has helped me become competitive in life and taught me that the grind is necessary to succeed, shaping me into the man I am today.    

Much has happened since the great days of March 2020.  We have been stricken by the worse Pandemic, altering the ability to wrestle, and attend school.   Post season wrestling has been suspended, and the uncertainty of a new season remains.  Everything is upside down.    But the lessons learned from this great sport,  helped me to deal with the most difficult period of my life, when I was diagnosed with Testicular cancer in June 2020.   Fast forward to now,  I made it through surgery, have been cancer free, and returned to the mat stronger than ever.   I joined Cordoba Trained Wrestling Club,  placed second in a Super 32 early qualifier, and competed in Super 32 in South Carolina.    Then this month, I was privileged to represent my country as a member of Team USA in the Sambo World Championships in Serbia.    

My goal for the next four years is to join a program in which I feel welcomed, while at the same time challenged to be the best competitor I aspire to be.   Academically,  I aspire to a career in Sports Science and Physical Therapy, and possibly leading to Sports Medicine, with a long term goal of helping others achieve their athletic goals.    I know I have a long way to go,  but I am very excited to work hard to achieve my goals and become the best version of myself.