The first time I showed up to wrestling practice I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. After my first day I realized it was not as bad as I expected it to be. It was significantly different from all the other sports I used to play; Conditioning and having practice in a small classroom gets pretty packed and hot.

During my freshman year I always thought about joining the team but was not sure if I would like it or stay committed. Junior year came and my friends encouraged me to join the team. I thought about it all day and finally decided to try it out. When my first match came I was nervous, I didn’t know what to expect. I kept thinking about the match all day, I was sure I was not ready to compete yet.

I was face to face with my opponent and I knew this was serious. My match did not last very long but I grew a new inspiration. I was determined to become a better and stronger competitor. All the nerves that were built up before my match were gone. I was definitely ready to compete.

The season went on and I competed to the best of my ability. Our team was constantly winning the competitions and that boosted my motivation to become better. Being a girl does not change the sport in any way. We still do the same workouts as the guys and compete in the exact same weight.

Being in wrestling really changed how I felt about myself. Now I know I can achieve anything I want as long as I set my mind to it. Most students think that wrestling is strictly a guy sport but that is entirely wrong. Not all girls are so easily defeated by the tiring and long practices. All you have to do is set your mind to it and you can be a great wrestler.