| As a Senior at White Pine High School, I wear many hats—I’m Callie Hollingsworth, a three-sport athlete and captain of both the soccer and softball teams. Sports have always been a part of my life, but wrestling was a realm I had yet to explore. You see, wrestling isn’t just a sport to me—it’s a legacy, a family tradition passed down from my grandfather, William Hollingsworth, one of the founding coaches at Eldorado High School in Las Vegas. His name is etched into the history books, showing his dedication and the dynasty he helped forge in the desert. |
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| Junior year marked a turning point for me. I made the bold decision to join the school’s wrestling team. My athleticism served me well, but it was clear I lacked the experience of my peers. Undeterred, I threw myself into the grind, devouring film, emulating college wrestlers, and spending endless hours on the mat and in the weight room. By my final high school season, I was ready to make my mark. Sweeping my weight class at tournaments like the Panguitch Invitational, the Salt Flat Scuffle, and the Spring Creek Kiwanis Wrestling Invitational was just the beginning. I placed at numerous other tournaments, each victory fueling my hunger for more. |
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| But just when I thought success was within reach, adversity struck. Battling the flu and multiple infections during the postseason threatened to derail my dreams. Though I came agonizingly close to qualifying for the NIAA State Championships, my body simply couldn’t keep up. Refusing to accept defeat, I returned to the mat for one final showdown—the Nevada USA Folkstyle State Championships. And there, in a moment that transcended triumph and adversity, I emerged victorious, clinching my first State Title. |
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| As I prepared to embark on the next chapter of my journey, fate intervened in the form of Coach Anderson from Utah Tech University. Introduced to me by Coach Olson in West Wendover, I was immediately drawn to the school’s vibrant wrestling program. With a heart full of excitement and determination, I committed to the #3 NCWA school, knowing that UTU was the perfect fit for me. My journey from novice to champion has been a whirlwind of triumphs and setbacks, but through it all, one thing remains clear—I am Callie Hollingsworth, wrestler, athlete, and champion of my own destiny. And as I prepare to take on the challenges that lie ahead, I do so with the knowledge that the legacy of William Hollingsworth lives on within me, guiding me toward greatness with every step. |
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| To Tanner and Don Hall—thank you for your tireless commitment to my growth as a wrestler and as a person. Your expertise, encouragement, and wisdom have shaped me into the athlete I am today. Whether it was drilling technique, strategizing for matches, or offering words of encouragement, you were always there to push me to new heights. Brett Stephen, your dedication deserves its own recognition. Despite being over 10 hours away, you coached me with the same passion and intensity as if you were right there beside me. Your willingness to fly in and watch me compete during the postseason speaks volumes about your commitment to my success. Your support has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for everything you’ve done for me. |
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| To my family, whose unwavering support has been the bedrock of my journey, I owe a debt of gratitude beyond words. Kandee Mathews, Jean Hollingsworth, Hayley Hollingsworth, Jane Montgomery, and Chas Hollingsworth—you have traveled great distances, invested your time and resources, and sacrificed endlessly to ensure that I had the opportunity to pursue my dreams. Your love and support have been my greatest strength, and I am profoundly grateful for everything you have done for me. |
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| To my Mom and Dad, Jenn and Hal Hollingsworth, your unwavering love, support, and sacrifice have been the foundation of my wrestling journey. From early morning practices to late-night matches, your presence on the sidelines filled me with pride and determination. Your belief in my potential and your sacrifices have fueled my determination to excel both on and off the mat. Thank you for being my biggest supporters, my loudest cheerleaders, and my greatest champions. I am proud to carry your love and support as I continue chasing my dreams. |
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| And to my Uncle John, your unwavering support and keen understanding of my journey have been a constant source of comfort and strength. After each and every match, you knew exactly how I felt and exactly what to say. Your words of encouragement and belief in my abilities never wavered, even in the face of setbacks. You made sure that, through all the challenges, I knew deep down that I was made for greatness. Your presence in my corner, both literally and figuratively, has been a guiding light, and I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me. Thank you for always being there, cheering me on, and reminding me of my potential. |
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| To Melissa and Don Hall, along with Saige, Landon, and Tanner—thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. Your belief in my potential has been a constant source of inspiration, and I am grateful for the love and encouragement you have shown me throughout my journey.And to the friends who have become family, your support, encouragement, and camaraderie mean the world to me. Whether on the mat or in everyday life, your presence has made all the difference. I am incredibly grateful for each of you and look forward to the journey ahead together.Though our paths may diverge, know that your impact on my life will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything. |
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| As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my journey, I will be pursuing my passion for Criminal Justice at Utah Tech University in the fall of 2024. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am thrilled to continue my wrestling career as a proud member of Utah Tech’s wrestling team. With unwavering support from my coaches, family, and mentors, I am confident that I will thrive both in the classroom and on the mat. This next chapter promises to be an exciting adventure, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue pursuing my dreams while representing Utah Tech with pride and determination. |
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