Stacey Vore Wrestling Scholarship

Wrestling, to me, is more than just a sport. Wrestling has consumed my life for more years than I can count. Whether it was watching my brother at wrestling practice while I tumbled around the mats when I was young, to now, being 17 , a 2x California State Championships qualifier, eager to pursue my wrestling career at the college level. Being a woman in wrestling means breaking barriers. When I first started wrestling, all I wrestled was boys, now women's wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Being on the mat gives me a sense of pride, strength, and an adrenaline rush that you can't get from anything else. The sport of wrestling has taught me the true meaning of hard work, dedication, discipline, and perseverance. Each minute on a wrestling mat gives me an opportunity to grow, to learn, and most importantly to push my limits- not just physically but mentally as well. The sport of wrestling demands a different level of focus and determination that people who haven't wrestled, will never understand. Being a women in wrestling allows me to be the voice and advocate for the future of women's wrestling. No matter what I was feeling on any given day: tired, stressed, worthless, a failure- wrestling was always there for me. Knowing after a bad day, going into a wrestling room, lacing my shoes up, and working hard could always bring me a sense of comfort that no one or anything else could. Nothing compares to the feeling of getting your hand raised after giving your all time and time again during practices, matches, and behind the scenes.I live for the thrill of getting my hand raised. Wrestling gives me a platform to inspire others. Wrestling may be "just a sport" to others, but to me it's about showing little girls- that plan to wrestle or not, that with passion and dedication, they can excel in anything they put their heart and mind to. Wrestling has taught me that setbacks are just setups for comebacks, and every challenge faced on and off the mat, is a lesson in being resilient that I carry into all aspects of my life. Wrestling, to me, is not just a sport- it's a symbol of empowerment, a testament to the strength of women, and a constant reminder that I can break through any barrier set before me.