The 2023 Girls Wrestling teams have had a successful run so far this season. The teams attribute their success to hard work and eager players, as well as seasoned players acting as mentors to new players.

“This season has been a great season. We have a lot of new faces, but they are all working really hard and are eager to learn and do well,” Coach Tyler Cordts said.

Some of the most talented players have placed top 10 in the entire state, with Shelby Davis at #2, Karen Rodriguez at #4 and Kaira Mannio at #6. Although the girls team is doing this well, it doesn’t take away from the boys team.

“They both work really well together and really support each other. They aren’t really two teams, but one big team that works together and all benefits from each other,” Cordts said.

Wrestling and sports can be more than just a hobby, and it can turn into a lifestyle. For Davis, it goes beyond the mat and the training room.

“For me, wrestling never really stops. I do freestyle wrestling all summer until preseason comes … Once season starts we have ‘Hell Week’ which is practice in the morning and at night,” Davis said.

Pre-match rituals go deep for Davis.

“Before a match I repeat Psalms 27:1, it helps calm my nerves. I just try to block everything out and go blank in a way,” Davis said.

Experienced wrestlers like Davis act like mentors to newer wrestlers like Naomi Mayfield and play big parts in their experience on the mat.

“Many people have gotten me to where I am as a wrestler today, but I feel like the biggest one that has helped me improve is both my brother Zaine [and] Shelby Davis,” Mayfield said. “They both know how to push me not only to be a better wrestler but to also be a better person.”

Wrestling is unique as a sport because it is only between two wrestlers. There is no team to rely on, and you only have yourself to blame if it goes wrong.

“I think the biggest take away from this sport is that a lot can be determined all because of your mindset and how mentally tough you are,” Mayfield said.