| Hi, my name is Anastasia Curitti! I’m 17 years old and a senior at Coral Academy of Science in Reno, NV. I’m a multiple-sport athlete competing in wrestling, track and field, and, previously, volleyball. My primary sport is wrestling; this winter will be my third season. Although I’ve only been wrestling for a short while, I’ve fallen so in love with the sport and have accomplished much. I started wrestling during my sophomore year, and nothing has ever felt so natural to me. I participated in the first NIAA All-League Girls Regionals and State. I placed 4th at 114 pounds at Regionals and made the All-Region Girls’ Second Team. During my junior year, I became the Regional Champion in the 2a Division at 113 pounds and was the Runner-Up at State. Achieving my goals has been far from easy, but every moment has been worth it, and I cannot wait to see what my senior season brings. |
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| Two significant milestones have been highlighted within my high school wrestling career. During my first season, I broke my nose while wrestling in the Sparks Invitational Tournament. Blood was everywhere when it happened, yet I wrestled through it and went on to win the match and place 4th in that tournament at my weight. That experience taught me true tenacity and strength. The crazy part is that I didn’t even know it was broken until visiting the hospital later that night, where they told me my season was over. I couldn’t accept that, so I competed in a face mask at Regionals and qualified for State. |
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| The second memorable experience would be competing in the 2a Division this past season. Due to an ankle injury, I decided to wrestle in the 2a Regionals (Boys) instead of Girls Regionals. It was the hardest decision of my life so far, but it was more than worth it. Becoming the 113-pound Regional Champion was all of my hard work achieved. Being the Runner-Up at State was not what I wanted; nevertheless, I’m still proud. I showed how any girl can earn their place on the podium with the guys, and even be at the top. That is one of the biggest things for me in this sport. As the only girl on my team during my first season, it was challenging, and I felt as if I had to fight for my male teammates’ respect and earn my place. No one expects a girl to place when competing with the opposite gender, or at least that is how it used to feel. I have always aspired to inspire both boys and girls to pursue this sport, for girls to know that they can wrestle boys and win, and to strengthen the presence of females in wrestling. Now, I’m one of my team’s captains and slowly but surely gaining more female teammates at my high school. |
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| Wrestling is a sport I never thought I would participate in, but the Lord led me to it during one of the lowest points in my life. Therefore, I give him all the credit. This sport has shaped me into who I am today and pushes me to be who I want to be in the future. I would not be where I am without it, the trials, and the people who have supported me. I thank the Lord, most of all, but also my family, high school and club teammates, and coaches. Even to the wrestlers and coaches who may have been in my life for a short chapter, I’m still grateful because I have learned a significant amount from them. My dad, Matthew Curitti, has been a massive part of my journey since he wrestled in high school and is one of my team’s coaches. I cannot see myself here without his love, support, and confidence in me. In addition, my team has pushed and supported me to be the best I can be. They never fail to cheer for me on and off the mat. |
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| After graduating, I will be attending and wrestling at Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania! There, I’m majoring in Health and Exercise Science—Pre-Athletic Training. Wrestling at Waynesburg means I will be my high school’s First Collegiate Wrestler and my family’s First Collegiate Athlete. Overall, I will be able to pursue what I love and improve my skills. This upcoming adventure is an answered prayer, and I cannot wait to see what other blessings the Lord has in store! |
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