| Like the fierce volcanic mountains that formed the Hawaiian Islands, Sophie Kula-Faalafua, is a force to be reckoned with. As the great pandemic loomed over the global horizon, Sophie, at the age of eight, began her wrestling career in February of 2020. By the end of March, the world she knew came to a sudden stop. A worldwide quarantine was implemented, bringing all youth sports to a halt. Despite all uncertainty, Sophie could not, and would not, stop training. She took the knowledge she gained from her coaches, Rios and Maestas, and continued drilling at home. Soon, Coach Rios began hosting practice sessions via Zoom, and the momentum picked up once more. |
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After waiting and waiting, the time had finally come. In a torrent of athletic talent, hard work, speed, strength, and agility, Sophie erupted onto the youth wrestling world. During her first official session, she won many stunning victories and earned multiple championship awards.
- Smash Nationals 2020:
9u Girls 80lbs 6th Place
- Who’s Bad 2021:
9u Girls 80lbs 3rd Place
7-9 Rookie 78lbs 4th Place
- Arizona National Showdown 2021:
Girls 80lbs 3rd Place
- Rumble in Arizona 2021,
9u Girls 80lbs 1st Place Champ
- Terminator World Championships 2021:
9u Boys 77lbs 3rd Place
9u Girls 80lbs 2nd Place
Rookie 7-9 78lbs 2nd Place
- Clash at Bullhead 2021:
7-9 Rookie 3rd Place
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| Sophie’s impressive first-year accomplishments in wrestling speak of the deep character and grit she possesses. In her own words, she describes a bit more of her personal side and aspirations.
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| My name is Sophie Kula-Faalafua aka Sophie Bear. I am 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. I was born and raised in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. I am Hawaiian, Samoan, Chinese, and too many other ethnicities to list here, haha! My family and I moved to Las Vegas in June 2019. I have always been an active athlete because I wanted to make my parents proud. Starting at age six, I played basketball, volleyball, and baseball until I was introduced to wrestling here in Nevada. I met Coach Rios and Coach Jose Maestas and joined SLAM Wrestling Club now known as Pride Wrestling. I gave it a trial run and I ended up falling in love with this one-on-one combat sport! I was juggling basketball and baseball with wrestling till one day I told my mom and dad that I wanted to take my wrestling to the next level. I dedicated myself to this and my journey began. |
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| I’m excited to show the world my passion and commitment to being the best female wrestler. One life lesson this sport/lifestyle has taught me is discipline! In order to achieve any goal, on or off the mat, It will be through self-discipline. |
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