Although the Sterling girls wrestling team is fairly new and only has six members, the team had a great season with one individual qualifying for sectionals.
With it being some of the girls’ first year on the team, they made amazing progress. Junior Alize Gomez took fourth place at the first ever IHSA Girls Regional wrestling tournament, qualifying for sectionals. Gomez said, “I went into regionals with a locked mindset of placing and moving onto sectionals and when I did place and get the opportunity to move on I was very happy.”
Coach Nolan Baker shared, “Our girls have done an excellent job of developing their skills and honoring their craft over the course of this season.”
Being able to commit to a sport that takes a lot of hard work and dedication each and every day is a lot, but knowing that they put their mind to work everyday at practice they can accomplish anything.
Baker also shared, “For some athletes, the wrestling room is the only place in their life where they can take total control of their surroundings, and I enjoy creating that environment for them. A good wrestling room is one that humbles you, but also builds you up each and every day.”
Baker cares a lot for his wrestlers. Seeing them improve throughout the season is a great feeling. Junior Noelani Ibarra said, “It was a little rough at first, but as the season went on I began improving and feeling better.”
Being able to learn from your mistakes during the season and improving is a great skill. Sophomore SkyeAnn Munz said, “I feel like I could have done better this year, but I still have a chance at winning the girls’ state this year so I will keep practicing to be ready for it.”
The girls have been improving and working hard this season. They’re committing to be able to become a better wrestler and determined to win. Gomez said, “Going into something with a negative mindset doesn’t get you anywhere, and that’s one of the many things I learned in my first year of wrestling.”
Overall, the girl wrestlers have put in a lot of effort and work this season. They are determined to keep up the good work and get better.
