Athlete of the Month |
|---|
| Sterling Dias |
 |
|---|
| Pictures and Content courtesy of The Dias Family |
| I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am currently seventeen-years old and my love for wrestling began twelve years ago. From a young age, I knew that the gym was my second home; I have dedicated the majority of my time to training not only for wrestling, but other combat sports that have helped me become successful. Before I was introduced to wrestling, my parents took me to a hula class- a traditional Hawaiian dance- while my older brothers, Steele and Sylver, were at wrestling practice. However not even one minute in, I told my parents that I wanted to go back to the gym and therefore, my adoration for wrestling began at JohnnyBoy Wrestling Club. |
| Eventually, I transferred to continue my youth wrestling career with Team GV under Coach Jake Rollans. With the assistance of my coaches and teammates, I became the first female Triple Crown Champion of the State of Nevada in 2011, which was the first of many notable achievements I have secured. During my youth and middle school years, I was fortunate to compete across the United States at Regional and National events which helped towards my success, leading me to earn multiple State, Regional, National and World Titles. |
| Some of my significant achievements includes: ● 2016 Pan-American Schoolgirl Champion in Medellin, Colombia ● 2017 Pan-American Schoolgirl Champion in Santiago, Chile ● 2018 Cadet World Bronze Medalist in Zagreb, Croatia ● 2018 Fargo National Champion and Outstanding Wrestler – First female Fargo Champion in Nevada ● 2019 Cadet and Junior Folkstyle Champion in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ● 2019 Fargo National Champion ● 2019 Cadet World Silver Medalist in Sofia Bulgaria ● 2020 Super 32 Champion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
| Wrestling has not only allowed me to attain my success, but it has also created opportunities for me to compete and train all around the world. Competing and training with other female wrestlers gives me the privilege of developing friendships, trying out unique foods, and understanding the prominence of diverse cultures/traditions. Thanks to wrestling, here are the countries and some places that I have been able to compete and train at: ● Canada ● Mexico ● Colombia ● Chile ● Netherlands ● Croatia ● Japan ● Bulgaria ● Russia ● Germany ● Sweden ● Olympic Training Center ● Wyoming Seminary ● Sunkist Kids at Arizona State University |
| All of this would not have been possible without thanking the following teams, teammates, coaches, and organizations: ● JohnnyBoy Wrestling – Johnny Nunez ● Team GV Wrestling Coaches – Jake Rollans, Joe Cannon, Richard Razo, Jimmy Chamberlin, Bill Sullivan ● Texas Dynamite Coaches – Josh Steele, Robert Avila, Waylon Angelias ● Team Nevada Select/Pride Wrestling Club Coaches – Rich Rios, Jose Maestas ● Coach Kyle Griffin ● Coach Bill Mitchell ● Coach May ● Slam Women’s Wrestling – Bill Sullivan, David Mackey, Kassandra Sullivan, Danielle Mackey ● LOG Coaches – Bill Sullivan, David Mackey, Tyler Perry, Joe Cannon, Chammi Jennings ● ATC Coaches – Napoleon Aniciete, Alex Aniciete, Valyen Rauser, Antonio Jauregui, Loida Tiamzom-Aniciete, Joey Aniciete ● Team USA Pan-Am Coaches – Katherine Shai, Andrea Yamamoto, Mike Duran, Adeline Gray, Bill Sullivan ● Team USA World Coaches – Sam Schmitz, John Smith, Emma Randall, Kevin Black, Chad Shilson, Erin Tomeo, Jessica Medina, Brent Barnes, Bill Sullivan ● USA Women’s Wrestling Cadet and Junior Developmental Program – Clarissa Chun, Terry Steiner, Jessica Medina ● Lehman Family Charitable Foundation ● Team Nevada Wrestling Organization – Rob Cate, Marina Scott, James Downing, Christina Hargrove, Kathi Berreyesa, Dan Burgess ● All of my teammates |
| Then of course, thank you to my family who have supported me throughout the entirety of my wrestling journey. To my brothers, Steele and Sylver, who influenced me into wanting to wrestle and giving me nothing but encouragement as I progressed through the difficult process. And, to my parents, Renalyn and Leroy Dias, who have been my number one advocates in my wrestling career. They have been there for me through the good and the bad, and I would not be the person I am today without them. I am forever grateful to be their daughter. |
| Like I said earlier, my wrestling career began twelve years ago, and I continue to love this sport as I progress, in regards to the good and the bad. Wrestling has taught me many valuable lessons and elicit qualities that will help me exceed beyond the sport of wrestling. Because of my success I am fortunate to do what I love to do, but it has also permitted me to set the path for upcoming female athletes who struggle with the adversity of being a part of a male dominated sport. I long to inspire both male and female wrestlers, despite where you come from, how big or small you are, male or female; everyone is given a chance to be destined for success. Wrestling is a demanding sport, so surround yourself with people who support you and work hard but most importantly, do not forget your purpose and always remember to have fun. With that being said, it is because of wrestling and the people involved in the wrestling community, I am the person I am today. |
?????????? 
