| My name is Kaija Ashcroft, and I am a competitive athlete with type one diabetes. I began my wrestling journey freshman year at Green Valley on a whim; although I had planned to play flag football, I stumbled upon wrestling during volleyball practice and knew instantly it was where I belonged. That freshman year, I set multiple school records for Green Valley, becoming the first girl to win newcomers, place at regionals, and qualify for state. My versatility as an athlete also extended to track and field, where I set the freshman school record for pole vault and placed 4th at State. |
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| Following that breakout year, I committed to taking my wrestling to the next level by training privately over the summer. As a sophomore, I made history again by becoming the first girl at Green Valley to place at State. To continue expanding my wrestling IQ, I joined the Legends of Gold wrestling club. During my junior year, I dedicated myself entirely to the sport, achieving a nearly undefeated high school season—with my only loss occurring at State—and earning the title of Green Valley’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for the girls’ team. Additionally, I competed in my first freestyle season, placing first at Western Regionals. Across both my sophomore and junior years, I had the privilege of serving as a team captain. While junior year presented challenges both on and off the mat, these experiences taught me resilience, patience, and determination. |
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Beyond high school sports, I compete in CrossFit, which I started at age 12 after transitioning from competitive gymnastics. I have qualified for the CrossFit Games semi-finals twice in the teen division. Both gymnastics and CrossFit provided a strong foundation that fuels my success in all athletic endeavors. Balancing these sports while managing type one diabetes, with which I was diagnosed at age 10, requires constant attention. There are moments when I must sit out during practice or matches to stabilize my glucose levels, but I am grateful for the resilience this journey teaches me. I truly love this sport and am eager for the year ahead. I am thankful for the lessons, the losses, and the wins that have shaped who I am, but most of all, I am grateful for the people this journey has brought into my life. |
