When I first joined the wrestling team, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I was just curious and wanted to learn more about the sport. I had never wrestled before, but something about it seemed interesting. I thought it would be cool to try something new and challenge myself.
Right away, I found out how tough it really was. The practices were intense, the conditioning pushed me to my limits, and every day felt like a test. I was sore, tired, and sometimes even frustrated, but I kept showing up. I told myself that if I was going to commit to something, I had to give it my all.
And by the end of the season, that hard work paid off when I placed second at the All-City Championship. That was the moment I realized I was capable of more than I thought, as long as I didn’t quit.
Going into my second year, I knew I had to come back. I missed the sport. I missed being on the mat, the grind of practice, and the bond I had with my teammates. Wrestling gave me structure. It gave me a way to stay focused and disciplined, even when other parts of life felt stressful or overwhelming.
That year, I made it to the finals again and placed second for the second time. But that match was different. I dislocated my shoulder because of a dirty move by my opponent. It was painful—physically and mentally—but instead of getting angry or giving up, I stayed calm. That experience taught me how to handle unfair moments in life without letting them define me.
Now that I’m a senior looking back, I can honestly say wrestling helped shape who I am. It taught me how to be mentally tough, how to push through hard times, and how to stay true to myself.
I’m healthier, stronger, and more focused than I was when I started high school. Wrestling wasn’t just a sport for me. It was a journey that made me grow up in the best way possible.
