When it comes to wrestling it is a largely male dominated sport, but coach Maria Correa is making way for the ladies to shine. Starting her coaching career in the summer of 2018 Correa officially became part of the Woodward High School coaching staff this year as an assistant coach.
“At the beginning of my coaching career I did not have any individuals to turn to, I only coached to the best of my knowledge,” said Correa. “Although with this new season I have an amazing coaching staff. Both gentlemen have helped mentor me in what it means to be a coach.”
Being a coach is always about the athlete, what you can give to them and then waiting to see how they use that knowledge.
“The most rewarding part I would have to say is seeing the achievements being made by each individual,” said Correa. “Being able to see their excitement once they hit a milestone is rewarding.”
Correa started her wrestling career in elementary school all because she was told girls can’t wrestle.
“At first, I joined to get under his skin, but it turned out I loved the sport,” said Correa.
She continued to wrestle through high school and once she graduated, she took a year off then came back to coach. Even though she is coaching she is still learning her craft by joining the women’s wrestling team at Friends University.
Not only does Correa help kids out on the mat, but she is also helping kids in the classroom as a special education paraprofessional.
