My name is Marissa Sanabria, and I am a student-athlete at Lindenwood University, where I wrestle and study paramedicine. I recently obtained my EMT license and am currently enrolled in the paramedic program as I work toward my goal of becoming a firefighter. Coming from a family dedicated to service, I have always been driven to help others. Both of my parents are Army veterans and police officers, and their commitment to their community has inspired me to follow in their footsteps. As the middle child of three Division I athletes, I have always embraced discipline, perseverance, and competition, both on and off the mat. Wrestling has shaped my character and resilience, preparing me to take on challenges in my future career and in life. This scholarship will ease the financial strain on my parents, who have worked tirelessly to support my sisters and me as we pursue our academic and athletic goals. As a student-athlete in a rigorous paramedic program, my demanding schedule limits my ability to work. The costs of tuition, training, and certification exams add up quickly, and this scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and wrestling without financial stress. It would bring me one step closer to my dream of becoming a firefighter, ensuring I can complete my education and gain the necessary certifications to serve my community. My academic goal is to complete my paramedic program while competing at the highest level in wrestling. My career goal is to become a firefighter and paramedic, where I can combine my passion for helping others with the discipline and mental toughness I have developed as an athlete. Being part of a team that works together to save lives and protect the community is something I am deeply committed to. Beyond my career, I hope to mentor young athletes and aspiring first responders, using my journey to inspire others to pursue their dreams. I have contributed to my community through emergency medical services, volunteering, and mentoring younger athletes. As an EMT, I have assisted people in medical emergencies, providing care in their most vulnerable moments. Additionally, I have volunteered at youth wrestling camps, helping young athletes develop their skills and confidence. My goal is to continue serving my community, both through my future work as a firefighter and by supporting the next generation of athletes and first responders. During my freshman year of high school, I struggled in wrestling, losing nearly half of my matches. It was frustrating to put in so much effort and not see immediate success. However, instead of letting those losses define me, I used them as motivation. I trained hard, identified my weaknesses, and worked tirelessly to improve. By my senior year, I had gone undefeated, finishing 47-0 and winning the Missouri state championship. That experience taught me that failure is not the end—it is an opportunity to learn, grow, and push yourself to new heights. One of my greatest strengths is my resilience. Whether in wrestling, academics, or my career pursuits, I have learned to push through challenges and adapt to difficult situations. My ability to work under pressure has been critical both in competition and in emergency medical situations as an EMT. Additionally, I have a strong sense of discipline and commitment. Once I set a goal, I dedicate myself fully to achieving it, no matter how difficult the journey may be. Lastly, my leadership and teamwork skills allow me to positively impact those around me, whether as a teammate, mentor, or future first responder.

Wrestling has been more than just a sport to me—it has shaped the person I am today. When I first stepped onto the mat in eighth grade, I had no idea how much it would challenge me, humble me, and ultimately mold me into a stronger, more disciplined individual. I started wrestling competitively my freshman year of high school with almost no experience, competing against athletes who had been training for years. I lost many matches that season, but instead of letting failure discourage me, I used it as motivation. I dedicated my summers to training, pushed myself past my limits, and set a goal to become a state champion. By my senior year, I had transformed from an inexperienced beginner into a wrestler with a 47-0 record, allowing only one takedown all season. Winning the Missouri state title wasn’t just about personal success; it was proof that hard work, resilience, and self-belief could lead to incredible achievements. Now, as a collegiate wrestler at Lindenwood University, I continue to grow both as an athlete and as a person. Wrestling has taught me the value of perseverance, discipline, and mental toughness—qualities that extend far beyond the mat. These lessons have fueled my passion for helping others, leading me to pursue a degree in paramedicine with the goal of becoming a firefighter. Just as wrestling has pushed me to be strong under pressure, emergency response work requires the same level of composure, quick decision-making, and endurance. Becoming an EMT was a major step toward my future, and I am now working through the paramedic program to advance my skills. The ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations, react quickly, and care for others in times of crisis are all things I learned from wrestling and now apply in my medical training. I thrive in an environment where I can make a direct impact, whether that be in competition or in life-or-death situations as a first responder. As the middle child of three Division I athletes, I have always been surrounded by a competitive spirit, but more importantly, by a family that values service. Both of my parents, Army veterans and police officers, have dedicated their lives to protecting others. Their example has inspired me to follow in their footsteps, using my skills and experiences to make a difference in my community. I hope to inspire others—whether it’s young athletes striving to reach their goals or individuals pursuing careers in first response. Wrestling has taught me that no obstacle is too big, and I want to instill that same mindset in others. Whether through mentorship, my future work in healthcare, or simply leading by example, I am committed to making a lasting impact on those around me.

If there was ever an underdog, it was me. I started wrestling under the encouragement of my eighth-grade gym teacher, who saw potential in me before I even knew it myself. He pushed me to join the eighth-grade intramural wrestling team, and from the moment I stepped on the mat, I was hooked. However, when I started wrestling competitively my freshman year of high school, I quickly realized how far behind I was. I had no prior experience outside of those intramural matches, and I was competing against athletes who had been wrestling for years. I lost 50% of my matches that first season, and many doubted whether I had what it took to succeed in such a demanding sport. Instead of letting my struggles define me, I embraced my role as the underdog. I dedicated my entire summer going into sophomore year to training—practicing every day, refining my technique, and building the mental toughness necessary to compete at the highest level. I set a goal for myself: to become a state champion. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I refused to let the odds dictate my future. By my senior year, my hard work had paid off. I went undefeated, finishing the season 47-0 and only allowing one takedown the entire year. I had gone from being the inexperienced freshman to standing on top of the podium as a Missouri state champion. My journey taught me that being an underdog is not a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity to prove yourself, to rise above expectations, and to show that success comes from resilience and relentless determination. Now, I wrestle for Lindenwood University, one of only four Division I women’s wrestling programs in the country. Alongside my athletic career, I am pursuing a degree in paramedicine with the goal of becoming a firefighter. As the middle child of three Division I athletes, I know my parents—both Army veterans and police officers—couldn’t be more proud. Their dedication to service has inspired me to follow in their footsteps as a first responder. I recently passed my EMT exams and am now enrolled in a paramedic program, a requirement where I live to become a firefighter. I am applying for scholarships to help ease the financial burden on my parents, who work tirelessly to support my sisters and me. Wrestling taught me that perseverance turns underdogs into champions, and I carry that mindset with me every day as I work toward my goals. I know you’re watching coach Frank, I will make you proud.

My name is Marissa Sanabria, and I am a student-athlete at Lindenwood University, where I am pursuing my passion for both athletics and healthcare. Recently, I obtained my EMT license, and I am currently enrolled in the paramedic program. My goal is to combine my love for helping others with my athletic discipline and resilience to serve my community in a meaningful way. Being in this program and working toward becoming a firefighter and paramedic is not just a career choice; it’s a calling to be there for people in their most vulnerable moments. From a young age, I have always been surrounded by service. Both of my parents served in the Army, and they instilled in me the importance of putting others before yourself and contributing to the greater good. I have always felt a deep responsibility to give back, and healthcare felt like the most natural and impactful way to do so. The decision to pursue a career in emergency medical services was further solidified when I realized that, as an EMT and paramedic, I can be the person who responds to the immediate needs of people during some of their most challenging times. I find purpose in this work, knowing I’m not only treating physical injuries but also providing emotional support to those in need. Becoming a healthcare professional is a challenging yet rewarding path, especially as a student-athlete. Wrestling has taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, perseverance, and resilience—qualities that are essential in the healthcare field. Managing both rigorous academic coursework and intense athletic commitments requires time management, focus, and mental toughness. These lessons from the wrestling mat are directly applicable to my future career, where I will need to think clearly, remain calm under pressure, and make quick, effective decisions. As a woman in healthcare, I am aware of the challenges that come with being a part of an underrepresented group in the field, particularly in emergency response roles like paramedics and firefighters. However, I see this as an opportunity to be a role model for other young women and girls, showing them that they too can break barriers and pursue careers in healthcare and first response. My hope is to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse healthcare workforce, where people of all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and respected. Through my EMT training and ongoing work in the paramedic program, I am committed to making a positive impact in my community by providing high-quality care, supporting those in need, and continuing to build a life grounded in service, faith, and perseverance. My ultimate goal is to use my training and experiences to serve others, both as a healthcare professional and as an advocate for change in the healthcare system.

My name is Marissa Sanabria, and my life has been shaped by service, determination, and a deep commitment to my community. As the middle child of three sisters, all of us collegiate athletes, I come from a family that thrives on discipline, hard work, and teamwork. Both of my parents served in the Army, and my father, a first-generation Mexican American and police officer, has been a constant source of inspiration. His story taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of giving back, and the pride that comes from representing something greater than oneself. Growing up, our household was a balance of structure and support. My parents’ military background instilled in us a strong sense of responsibility and resilience, but they also encouraged us to chase our dreams. My sisters and I share a competitive drive and a love for sports. We’ve always been one another’s biggest motivators, pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves. It’s no coincidence that all three of us are student-athletes competing at the collegiate level. Athletics isn’t just something we do—it’s a way we connect, grow, and continue to uphold the values instilled in us. I began my wrestling journey in high school as a freshman, driven by the desire to challenge myself and push my limits. Wrestling was unlike any sport I had ever done, and the intensity of the training and competition immediately sparked a passion in me. Over the years, I dedicated myself to the pursuit of becoming better, stronger, and more skilled. By my senior year, I had become an undefeated wrestler, finishing the season 47-0 and earning the title of Missouri State Champion. This achievement wasn’t just about winning matches—it was about the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and the mental toughness I developed along the way. Wrestling taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of never settling for anything less than my best. Currently, I am a wrestler at Lindenwood University, where I am pursuing a degree in paramedicine. Wrestling has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me discipline, resilience, and the importance of mental toughness. The lessons I’ve learned on the mat have not only helped me in competition but also prepared me for the challenges I will face as I work toward my ultimate goal of becoming a firefighter. A career in firefighting represents everything I value—helping others, serving my community, and living a life of purpose.

My name is Marissa Sanabria, and my life has been shaped by service, determination, and a deep commitment to my community. As the middle child of three sisters, all of us collegiate athletes, I come from a family that thrives on discipline, hard work, and teamwork. Both of my parents served in the Army, and my father, a first-generation Mexican American and police officer, has been a constant source of inspiration. His story taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of giving back, and the pride that comes from representing something greater than oneself. Growing up, our household was a balance of structure and support. My parents’ instilled in us a strong sense of responsibility and resilience, but they also encouraged us to chase our dreams. My sisters and I share a competitive drive and a love for sports. We’ve always been one another’s biggest motivators, pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves. It’s no coincidence that all three of us are student-athletes competing at the collegiate level. Athletics isn’t just something we do—it’s a way we connect, grow, and continue to uphold the values instilled in us. I began my wrestling journey in high school as a freshman, driven by the desire to challenge myself and push my limits. Wrestling was unlike any sport I had ever done, and the intensity of the training and competition immediately sparked a passion in me. Over the years, I dedicated myself to the pursuit of becoming better, stronger, and more skilled. By my senior year, I had become an undefeated wrestler, finishing the season 47-0 and earning the title of Missouri State Champion. This achievement wasn’t just about winning matches—it was about the relentless pursuit of self-improvement and the mental toughness I developed along the way. Wrestling taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of never settling for anything less than my best. Currently, I am a wrestler at Lindenwood University, where I am pursuing a degree in paramedicine. Wrestling has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me discipline, resilience, and the importance of mental toughness. The lessons I’ve learned on the mat have not only helped me in competition but also prepared me for the challenges I will face as I work toward my ultimate goal of becoming a firefighter. A career in firefighting represents everything I value—helping others, serving my community, and living a life of purpose. I want to take a moment to honor Stephan, I am sorry for his absence but remain steadfast in continuing his legacy. His dedication to his faith, family, and hard work as an athlete has inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I will carry his commitment forward by serving my community, always putting my faith, family, and team first, and striving to make a difference in all that I do.