Dakota Asuncion '21 Recruiting Profile

If someone asked me to describe myself, the first thing that would come to mind is, “I’m a wrestler.” I was only six years old when a living room wrestling match with my uncle resulted in a broken coffee table and a love of wrestling. He immediately recognized my potential and convinced my mom to sign me up. From that day forward, wrestling has been a constant part of my life and has helped define who I am as a person. It did not matter if my friends changed, if my house changed or if my school changed, I always had wrestling as my constant. Throughout my life, wrestling has taught me life skills that school and other sports can’t. I have learned to push myself to my physical and mental limits in all facets of my life. It has given me a sense of pride and courage that I will always keep with me, and earning the title of “captain” has made me realize that I am a strong leader and a role model to others.  

I believe that I am my best self when I am wrestling. On the mat, I know that even if my opponent is stronger or technically better than me, I can find a way to pull out a win. Also, when I’m wrestling, I focus more in school and get work done quicker because I know I need that extra time to devote to wrestling and learning how to become a better wrestler.  Since I was young, my coaches, in soccer and wrestling, have always said I am very “coachable”. If they recommend that I fix something, I take that suggestion, internalize it, and work hard to make that change. I am still undecided about which major I will choose to pursue, but I know that whatever I choose, I will work hard to be the best in that field. I know that whatever happens in my future, I will find a way to make wrestling a part of it. I hope to find a college program that will help me grow as an athlete and also reach my educational goals.