| My name is Peyton Prussin, and I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m currently nineteen-years old and was born in June of 2001. I started wrestling my freshman year of high school; when I was fourteen years old. Growing up I jumped around from sport to sport, never sticking to any because none of them sparked my interest. I played softball, soccer, guitar, figure skating, gymnastics and many more. When I was twelve, I started practicing Jiu Jitsu and Judo at “Zenith” taught by Robert Drysdale. |
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As years went on, my freshman year of high school came around and my dad, Ely, challenged me to try wrestling. From the start, I loved it. I attended and wrestled at Arbor View high school and was coached by Rusty Marchello. The first four years I achieved many goals, including being the first female to qualify for boy’s 4A state in NV. It was during my sophomore year. I am a 10x HS All-American, 2018 Fargo Runner-Up, 2018 Folkstyle Runner-Up, 2018 Cadet World Team Trial Runner-Up; I placed third at the 2018 Yoshida Saori Cup in Japan, 2019 Folkstyle National Champion, 2018 USA High School Wrestler of the Year Finalist, and 2018 USA National Team member. |
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Today, I currently attend Life University. I am a medical-redshirt Freshman, and I am ranked #1 in the NAIA at 116 pounds. Last year I was out due to an injury called a “Lis Franc” which took place in my foot. This injury caused me to miss out on my “first” college season. I did a total of one dual and one tournament last year, before getting hurt. Being hurt was both mentally and physically challenging as I had to sit on the sidelines, watch my team wrestle without me, and I had to perform multiple hours of rehab therapy every day. I originally was supposed to get surgery to either fuse bones together, or to put a bolt in it, and get a couple ligaments repaired in my foot. Although after talking with my parents and coaches, I decided to wait on the surgery and get it later on in life. Through the many months of rehab I finally got back on the mat, one week before Covid-19 hit. |
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| The biggest struggle that I have been dealing with since my injury, is the process of returning after a whole season off. Making sure to be both mentally and physically ready, and prepared to start competing again. My first practices back were definitely challenging, knowing that my foot would never be the same, and having to find ways to work around it. My coach, Christian Flavin, continues to tell me “Be okay with starting fresh,” which is something I always keep in mind. After coming back from an injury, your style of wrestling might not be the same, and having to learn from the start can be very challenging. Although I continue to trust the process and continue to enjoy what I do. I was blessed to of have a quick recovery from this injury. |
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| Wrestling has been a big part of my life since I started. I have learned many life lessons, and it has brought me many life-long friendships. I look forward to continuing my collegiate career, and accomplishing the goals I’ve set for myself. |
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