I started wrestling as a sophomore in high school, stepping onto the mat for the first time at 106 pounds. I earned a varsity spot right away, not because I wrestled for it, but because my team needed someone to fill the lineup. Despite this unexpected start, I quickly developed a deep passion for the sport and have shown significant progress in a short time. During the 2023-2024 season, I competed in every tournament that my team went to, wrestled in districts, where I placed 2nd, and regionals, where I placed 5th, which qualified me for state. After the season, I decided to take my skills to the next level by getting into freestyle wrestling. I joined a club to compete in freestyle tournaments, which has helped me become a more well-rounded wrestler and refine my technique even further.
Getting into my junior year in high school, I decided to wrestle most of the season at 113 pounds, which gave me more competition and made me work harder to get stronger. During the 2024-2025 season, I kept jumping between both weight classes, 106 pounds and 113 pounds, but I mainly finished the season at 106 pounds. My performance and growth have outperformed last year's season, having more match counts and becoming more competitive despite encountering injuries and sickness but that didn't stop me from competing. Getting into districts, I placed 2nd, and this year we didn't have regionals, so I automatically qualified for state. During off-season, I competed in freestyle tournaments and placed 2nd at Freestyle State Championships.
Entering my final year of high school, I can say that my journey has been mentally challenging. During the pre-season of my junior year, I pushed myself by competing for my freestyle club, attending summer wrestling camps, and putting in the work during pre-season practices. I consistently competed between 106 and 113 pounds, battling to maintain my weight while placing in the top three at almost every tournament. However, my season ended on a devastating note. Just before districts, the qualifier for State, I contracted impetigo from a training partner. Being forced to sit out was a crushing blow, but I refused to let that define my career. Instead, I treated it as a hard-earned lesson. I’ve since returned to the mat, continuing to grow by competing in freestyle, attending clubs and camps, and preparing for what's ahead of me.
Outside of wrestling, I’m interested in studying carpentry and do pre-apprenticeship construction training in college, and I’m also considering a future in the military. My ultimate goal is to qualify for the Wrestling Olympic Trials. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to put in the work to make it happen. Competing at the collegiate level will give me the chance to grow as an athlete, face tougher competition, and keep chasing my dreams. I want to prove that wrestling is for anyone willing to put in the work. Friends and family sometimes question why I'm so passionate about a sport I've only done for 3 years, especially when others started at seven or during middle school. But for me, it's about the effort and commitment I bring every day, not how early I began.
