Athlete of the Month
Isabella Swanson

Pictures and Content courtesy of The Swanson Family and Coach Jose Maestas

Hi my name is Bella Swanson. I am 12 years old in 7th grade. I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I am currently wrestling for Pride Wrestling Club, but before that I was in competitive cheer. My brother had been in wrestling for about 2 years before me, and I always wanted to try it out, but I was nervous. Hanley’s coaches always pushed me to go out on the mat and just try it out. Finally, I started wrestling May 2021, but I was splitting time with competitive cheer, so I wasn’t getting the full practices in. After a year of doing that, I realized I had to make a decision on which sport I wanted to do. I chose wrestling because I loved the physicality and mental toughness of the sport.
My first practice was at a different gym because of Covid, but after that practice I knew this sport was my favorite, and I loved it. My coaches made me feel like I belonged in the wrestling room. I started wrestling during the middle of the season so I was thrown into tournaments with very little experience, and I was getting beat up the majority of the time. I started putting in a lot of extra work like weight-training with coach Nate, privates with both of my coaches, and extra practices.
After seeing more progress, and having more success out of the sport, it has driven me to want more. I would like to give thanks to all the coaches at Pride Wrestling. Coach Izzy, Coach Geno, Coach Paul, Coach Nate, Coach Gene, and a special thanks to coach Rios and Coach Jose. So far this season here are my Stats: – Smash 2022 1st – SNWA 2022 Kickoff Classic 1st – SNWA 2022 Panther Pumble 2nd – SNWA 2022 Mustang Mayhem 2nd and 3rd – SNWA JR Bulldog Battle 2nd I’m looking forward to continuing the 2022 season with my goal of being this year’s State Champion.
Comments from Coach Maestas:Bella has been wrestling with Pride wrestling for a couple of seasons now under the Head Coaching staff of Coach Rios and Coach Jose . Bella’s work ethic on and off the mat is amazing. Bella has a goal to be the best and she works hard everyday to achieve her goal . This season Bella has not only dominated on the mat, she has also stepped up in becoming a leader in our wrestling room, and she is now one of our Team Captains. Bella would like to thank Her Mom and Dad for always showing her the love and support she needs, her brother for always being by her side, Coach Nate for all the workout sessions that have helped her get stronger, and to her Head Coaches a Big thank you for always pushing her to her limits and believing in her.