In the world of high school athletics, few stories shine as brightly as that of Evelynn Garcia, a
senior wrestler whose journey is marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering
commitment to her goals.
Her introduction to wrestling was born from a desire for self-discovery.
“I thought I needed to try a new sport,” she recalls. “I wanted to challenge myself and see what I was capable of.”
This initial curiosity quickly transformed into a fierce motivation, particularly as she envisioned
herself walking across the graduation stage, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
“That moment is what kept me going,” she said.
One of the defining moments of her wrestling career came when she clinched first place
at a tournament. At Cy Woods she won her match for first place, and that was her first win at a wrestling tournament. This victory not only solidified her place in the sport but also served as a powerful reminder of what she could achieve through hard work and perseverance.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Cutting weight has been a significant
hurdle for Garcia, but she has learned to overcome it with discipline and determination.
“I had to lock in and push myself to eat right and be underweight even before the wrestling season,”
she said.
This commitment to her health and fitness has been crucial in her preparation for
competition. Garcia credits much of her mental fortitude to her coach, who has played a pivotal role in her development as a wrestler.
“Coach Reading really helped me get out of my head,” she said, “He taught me not to overthink and to stop doubting myself.”
With his guidance, she has learned to embrace the challenges of the sport and to trust in her abilities. Looking ahead, Garcia is determined to continue her wrestling journey in college, with
aspirations of attending the University of Illinois to study occupational therapy and psychology.
“I want to keep pushing myself and let nothing stop me from reaching my goals,” she asserts.
Her passion for wrestling is matched only by her dedication to her education, as she has
consistently prioritized academics throughout her high school career. Despite the demands of wrestling, she maintained a strong academic record, achieving A-B honor roll status in both her first and second semesters of her Senior Year.
“I always did my work in class, even though I was tired the next day,” she said. “Education comes first for me.”
Her love for learning extends to her history classes, where she enjoys exploring the past, even if it doesn’t
directly relate to her future career.
Garcia’s commitment to her team has also been a source of pride.
“We all got second place at the Gator Roll, and it was nice to see how far we’ve come as a team,” she said, “All the hard work we put in together paid off.”
This sense of camaraderie and shared achievement has been a vital part of her wrestling experience.
As Evelynn prepares to graduate, she carries with her the lessons learned from both victories and defeats.
“Every match is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become better,” she said.
This year Garcia’s skills shined at Regionals where she finished fifth to qualify for the State Meet.
With her unyielding spirit and determination, Garcia is not just a wrestler; she is a role model, a trailblazer, and a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
As she stepped onto the high school mat for the last time, she did so with the knowledge that she has
already won in so many ways. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, and her
story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of wrestlers to follow in her footsteps.
