| My name is Maria Delpalacio Goormastic. I was born in Santa Clara, CA. My biological dad and biological mom got pregnant with me at age 16. My biological dad was shot while my biological mom was 9 months pregnant with me. He was in ICU downstairs while I was being delivered upstairs. I have had a rough start to life. I had family that loved me; they just didn’t know how to love me in the way I needed. I have survived mental and sexual abuse, and I hope to be a voice for youth to stand up and be strong against their abusers. When I was 8 years old I got to go live with my sister and her God-Parents, who are now my mom and dad. We still have a great relationship with my biological parents, so I have 2 moms and 2 dads. They have completely changed my life, and how I view myself and the world. |
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| I used to struggle with so many things, including school. Finding a place to belong was always hard– until my mom put me in wrestling when I was 12. We tried other sports, and I was okay at them. I didn’t want to wrestle at first, but my mom encouraged me try it out and develop the skill, and if I didn’t like it, we would move on. I was with Nevada Elite, and I felt as if I wasn’t fully reaching my potential, which made me try harder. I met Coach Trey through Nevada Elite, and for that I will be forever grateful. I now wrestle for Hard Work Academy (HWA) with coach Trey full- time. Coach helped me develop a confidence I didn’t think I would ever have. He showed me that there is more to wrestling than just being physical. Wrestling is now my life. It’s all I want to do. I love being on that mat; I love the rush I get before a match. I love being part of a great team with a coach that cares about my grades and my mind also. I hope to continue making Nevada proud and to hopefully bring home a Gold Medal for Team USA one day. |
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| My hobbies include music– listening and making it, reading, drawing, running my dog, working out and swimming the rapids every chance I get. Over the last couple years, I have wrestled a few tournaments. When I first started competing I only wrestled older heavier boys, but now I’m starting to wrestle just girls. I believe the girls are tougher. I have a good collection of medals started and can’t wait for more. |
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| As Maria’s adoptive parents we love her as if she came from us. She is an exceptional daughter with a beautiful heart. For us to be able to be a part of her life’s journey is simply the greatest blessing. She has grown so much through this sport. We are forever grateful for finding Nevada Elite, and for them helping Maria start her wrestling career. HWA is our home now, and we hope for it to be as long as Coach will have us. She has a bright future ahead of her, and we hope to enjoy every moment with her. |
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