| My wrestling career began when I was a Freshman in High School, but that was not my first exposure to the sport. My older brother, Josh, was Team Captain of his wrestling team and had lots of success. My dad, Kevin Pine, was always coaching and volunteering. From the time I was a baby I was exposed to the sport. Though, growing up in Nevada there were little to no girls in the sport. Before wrestling I was a swimmer. I found myself constantly missing swim practice/ leaving meets as early as I could in order to go to a wrestling tournament that my dad or brother was competing in. I figured I may as well join the sport if I was already spending so much time in it. In all honesty, I was hesitant to start wrestling because to me it was a “boys sport” and if I did it people would think of me as manly. But, little did I know that joining this sport would change my whole life. |
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My Freshman Year of High School basically consisted of wrestling the same 5 girls over and over (weight classes were irrelevant for girls). I was not a natural. I would stand in my awkward stance with my low socks and go out there with no clue as to what to do. I may have been bad, but somehow I was having fun. Immediately after high school (Folk Style) season, my dad threw me into all of the Freestyle National Tournaments. I had about the same success–close to none. Though, by the time Fargo came around, I managed to win 2 matches…of the 12 I had. This was a turning point for me. During my Sophomore season I was able to compete on the Varsity Lineup. Competing against boys was completely new to me. I struggled, but it ultimately made me better. |
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My Junior and Senior Year of Wrestling I was Team Captain of both the Boys and Girls Teams. I was the First Girl Captain of the Team; A lot of boys got angry over this. I had some success and ultimately won Girls State my Senior Year. Watching the Sport of Women’s Wrestling grow in Nevada was amazing to witness. From maybe 20 girls at “State” my Freshman Year to over 100 in my Senior Year was awesome. I am so fortunate to have been a Pioneer for Nevada Women’s Wrestling. |
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| Being a female athlete in a male dominant sport was not easy. Gaining respect from athletes and coaches was something I struggled with. It wasn’t uncommon to see the boy I was about to wrestle laugh and scoff with his friends because he had to wrestle me. Though, when that would happen, it was a good feeling walking off the mat after having my hand raised. Without giving all the details, and to be blunt, I often felt like an outcast. Although I started gaining more respect over the years, there were still athletes/coaches that would deny me the respect I should have been given. With this being said, it was important for me to go through these obstacles so that the girls who wrestle in Nevada today don’t have to feel and be treated the way I was. |
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| Now I am a Sophomore in College, about to graduate with my Associates of Arts. I went to Umpqua Community College for my Freshman Year and was the Starter 123/130 pounder. College Wrestling is a whole new challenge, but I was fortunate to place 3rd at the NCWA National Championships. After my First Year, I made the decision to transfer to Grays Harbor College to wrestle for my dad, again. It turns out he’s a really great coach, I just didn’t realize it till I left! This year has been interesting. Though, with my dads love for the sport and eagerness to compete, I was able to get above 30 matches this year. I was extremely fortunate to compete at the First Ever Women’s Junior College National Championships and placed 2nd. |
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| There have been countless people who have helped me along my journey. My number one supporter has always been my dad. When I first decided I wanted to wrestle he did everything he could to grow Women’s Wrestling in the state to give me more opportunities. He pushed me, and continues to push me every step of the way. I am extremely grateful to have someone like my dad to look up to. My brother, Josh, is another person who has helped me tremendously. He has always been someone I look up to, not only as a wrestler but as a person as well. I would like to thank my High School Coaches for never giving up on me and pushing me. Lastly I would like to thank every Coach in the past year for pushing through with all of these regulations and allowing me to compete this year. |
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| For anyone interested in continuing their wrestling and educational career, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kevin Pine! Grays Harbor College has a great Wrestling Program and has given me great experiences along with lifetime friends! |
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