The women’s wrestling team at Millbrook High School plays a crucial role in the school’s athletic community, demonstrating perseverance, strength, and teamwork. While often flying under the radar, these athletes are breaking barriers and setting new standards in a sport that continues to grow in popularity and recognition. They embody the qualities that are at the heart of wrestling: discipline, resilience, and the determination to overcome challenges.
Wrestling is a physically demanding sport, and for the women on Millbrook’s team, it’s no different. Divided into weight classes to ensure fair competition, the athletes wrestle against opponents of similar size and strength. The matches require both physical endurance and mental toughness, combining technical skill, strategy, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. Every wrestler plays an essential role in the team’s success, earning points during their individual matches. The team with the highest cumulative score wins the competition, which makes each athlete’s contribution valuable to the overall outcome.
One of the core aspects of wrestling, especially for the women’s team at Millbrook, is the mental preparation required for each match. Wrestlers must remain focused and calm, understanding that the mental aspect of the sport is just as crucial as the physical. The athletes approach each match not as a daunting challenge but as an opportunity to grow and improve. The mindset required for wrestling emphasizes resilience and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Wrestling is often seen as a sport that is physically demanding, but mental preparation plays an equally important role. “I don’t view matches as ‘big,’” says Mackenzie Sivolka, who explains that she sees each match as a unique opportunity to compete, rather than a pressure-filled event. This mentality helps wrestlers stay calm and collected, giving them the clarity to perform their best regardless of the stakes. “Before a match, there’s the usual warming up—shots, down blocks, sprawls—getting your body physically locked in for wrestling,” she shares. “But mentally, I don’t think you’re ever truly ready to step on the mat.” This mindset reflects the nature of wrestling, which requires athletes to embrace both the excitement and nervousness of competition and to channel those feelings into positive energy.
The lessons learned through wrestling extend far beyond the mat. It’s a sport that fosters personal growth and self-improvement, helping athletes develop not just their physical abilities but also their character. For many wrestlers, the sport is about much more than just winning matches, but about becoming better versions of themselves, both as athletes and as individuals. “Wrestling reminds me why I do what I do: to become a better wrestler, athlete, and person,” says Lisa Jean, another member of the wrestling team. This sense of purpose drives the women on the team to give their best, both in practice and during competition.
The team’s preparation methods reflect the importance of both mental and physical readiness. Lisa Jean shares her approach to preparing for a match. “I prepare for my match mentally by making sure I’m not stressed and that I have a plan going into the match, especially if it’s a big one,” she says. “Physically, I warm up my muscles by stretching and walking. Right before I go into my match, I make sure that my arms and legs are warm by jumping to get blood flowing through my body.” This combination of mental focus and physical readiness is crucial to ensuring that the wrestlers feel confident and strong before they step onto the mat.
The dedication and hard work of the women’s wrestling team at Millbrook are evident in their approach to both training and competition. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, athletes like Lisa, Mackenzie, and their teammates are setting the stage for future generations of female wrestlers. They prove that wrestling is not just a sport for the physically strong but for anyone willing to put in the effort and embrace the challenges it presents. Their stories highlight the transformative power of wrestling, discipline, perseverance, and personal growth in ways that extend far beyond the mat. With each match, they continue to break down barriers, paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
