| My name is Viviana Zavala, but everyone calls me Vivi. I’m 16 years old and a Junior at Spanish Springs High School. My wrestling journey began when I was just five years old, starting with the basics like double legs and single legs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I never really cared for it back then. |
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| In 2019, I moved away from California to the Sierras and eventually settled in Truckee, California. Snowy days in Truckee meant there was tons to do—if you could get out of your buried home. I lived close to the local Community Club, and that’s where my real wrestling journey began. As soon as I started competing, I wanted to learn and get better. My supportive coaches made me love wrestling even more. |
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| Since wrestling was seasonal, my mom started commuting me to Sparks, Nevada, to a club that used to be called Silver State, now known as Gold Rush Reno. In 2021, we moved to Nevada, and I started wrestling for Sky Ranch Middle School. I loved it because I finally met other girls who loved wrestling too. Back in Truckee, I had been the only girl for a while. |
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| When I got to high school, I became more serious about wrestling. I qualified for States my Freshman year. However, during my Sophomore year, I got a flu that nearly took me out. To make matters worse, I had not trained in the summer due to an injury. I really wanted to give up, but the rush you get when you’re out there competing is like no other. |
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| I got myself back in shape and trained all summer long, and just like that, I was back at it. Junior year felt like my year—I had finally recovered and worked hard. My mom got me some cute pink shoes, which motivated me even more. Yes, I love fashion—I’m tough, but a girly girl off the mats. |
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| A couple of weeks before Regionals, I had a match at a dual and sprained my ankle. I felt defeated, having worked so hard all year long. I even placed at Sierra Nevada Classic aka SNC for the first time this year. I did all the necessary recovery, and Regionals came along. I pushed through the pain with the support of my amazing teammates, their moms, and my mom and my coaches. I got First Place, which was the first time a girl at Spanish Springs High had ever placed First. I was so proud and honored, yet still in shock. |
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| I went home and cried because my ankle was killing me. I started icing and treating my ankle, and before I knew it, Nevada States came along. It wasn’t easy, knowing how much I wanted it and the pain I was in, but I got out there and refused to give up. I became the Nevada State Champion at 100lbs. It felt unreal. I felt good because I worked extremely hard to get there. I train hard and try to eat well, but it’s tough. I also made history by being the first girl at Spanish Springs High to be a State Champion. It was incredible to make history in two ways. I’m honored to be the Athlete of the Month, and I hope other girls read this and find inspiration not to give up. I want to thank my mom for supporting me financially and emotionally. Without her, I don’t think I could have done it. |
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