| My name is Annalise Winward, though I often go by Anna. I am a sophomore at Moapa Valley High School in Logandale, NV, and I’m quickly becoming one of the school’s top female athletes. As a freshman wrestler, I became the district champion after defeating two upperclassmen. I then made school history by becoming the first female from Moapa Valley to earn a state medal in girls’ wrestling, finishing as the state runner-up! |
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I started wrestling in 2022. My Dad began coaching middle school wrestling and asked me to be a practice partner for another girl. From an early age, I struggled with scoliosis and chronic back pain. I was initially worried that wrestling would worsen my condition, but I’ve never backed down from an opportunity to better myself and accepted the challenge. What I found in wrestling was relief from the pain; the intensity of the sport strengthened my body and mind, and it revealed my true grit. While I still suffer from pain, I truly love this sport that teaches you what you’re made of. After only practicing for that first season, I began competing in 7th grade, and my toughness, competitive maturity, and strong technical skill have only continued to grow. |
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| I had the normal ups and downs of a beginner wrestler but started seeing real success my freshman year. After suffering the loss of a close family friend who was a strong part of the wrestling community, I found true motivation to compete in his honor and for something bigger than myself. My love for others, my desire to be an example to young athletes, my respect for my competitors, and my faith in Jesus Christ are the motivations that drive me to my victories. |
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| While wrestling is the heart of my athletic journey, I excel across multiple sports. I am a varsity member of the Moapa Valley Girls’ soccer team and a record-breaking hurdler in Track and Field. I am the 2025 state champion and school record holder in the 300-meter hurdles, earned a silver medal at state in the 100-meter hurdles, and assisted my team in several relays. I attribute my success in Track to the strength and grit I have developed on the wrestling mats. |
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| Outside of athletics, my life is rooted in faith, family, agriculture, and service. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the second oldest of six siblings. I grew up on my family’s farm, learning the value of hard work and how to care for a wide variety of livestock. I’ve shown hogs for several years at the Clark County Fair through 4-H and FFA and this year I’m taking on a new challenge by showing my first steer. I am an active member of the local FFA chapter, where I continue to develop my agricultural and leadership skills and serve my community. All four of my younger brothers and sisters wrestle, and I know how important my example is to them, both on and off the mat. Spending time together as a family—fishing, camping, or working on the farm—is a great way to escape the stress of athletics. |
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| With determination and humility, I am proud to represent Moapa Valley as NV Sports Local Women’s Athlete of the Month. I want to thank my coaches, particularly Coach Anderson, and all those who have made my wrestling journey possible. I hope to continue to show the upcoming generation of young girls what women can accomplish in this incredible sport! |
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