Girls wrestling is not a new sport, but over the past few years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of females wrestling in the high school ranks. One of those is Olivia Mendoza of Woodward High School. She says that wrestling is similar to most other sports because you have to be prepared for competition.
“It has taken a lot of work to get to where I am today,” she said. “There have been many challenges and obstacles to overcome in order to be successful.”
Olivia is a sophomore and has been wrestling for about two years. She has had a lot of people that have had an influence on her, but she says that there are a few people that have had a huge impact on her life.
“The biggest influences in my life would have to be my parents,” she said. “They are always helping me to be the best I can be and reminding me to always give everything 100 percent effort. My coaches have also been important to my development. They have taught me to always love what I do even when it gets hard or difficult. I would not be where I am today without my parents or my coaches.”
Though she has only been wrestling for a couple of years, Mendoza has enjoyed some memorable moments, both on and off the mat. Out of all of those moments, she says that there is one thing that she enjoys the most about wrestling.
“I would have to say that the highlight of my career is more than just a moment on the mat,” she stated. “I would have to be spending time with my teammates and coaches and seeing friendships grow.”
Along with wrestling Olivia is also a member of the school band.
