Breaking many records in her first year of wrestling, Sophia Gonzalez has made North Atlanta history not just once, but twice. She was the first female to qualify for sectionals, winning first place in the 100-pound weight class. However, a week later, she made history again as she advanced to state with several other members of the wrestling team, becoming the first female from North Atlanta to do so.
Gonzalez was not always a wrestler; before wrestling, she was a gymnast. Gymnastics was her main sport until earlier this year when she decided to quit. In need of something to do, she searched for another sport to occupy her time with. Her boyfriend, sophomore Wyatt Wilson, was a member of the wrestling team and told her she looked like she could be good at wrestling. Eager to try something new, she joined the team. “Joining the Girl’s Wrestling Team has shown me a lot about myself,” said Gonzalez. “It helped to show me that I am stronger than I thought I was, and capable of doing more things I thought I could not before now.”
Being the wrestling champion that she is, Gonzalez spends a lot of her time at wrestling practice and tournaments. In the beginning, she would return home most nights after long practices and wrestling events without the energy to do her homework, cramming the next day to get it done. Now, Gonzalez has a routine she follows. “I try to get my homework done while I eat my dinner,” said Gonzalez. “That way I still have time to shower and time for myself. It is all about picking up a schedule.
Although mentioned earlier, wrestling has taught Gonzalez a lot of things. Not only has it taught her self-defense, but it has gifted her a new mindset to look at life. Instead of underestimating herself, she has a new sense of self-worth and belief that she can do anything she puts her mind to. The mindset for wrestling revolves around self-belief and confidence in one’s ability to achieve set goals (such as pinning an opponent on the mat). “Wrestling just opens you to the belief mindset, and it spills into all areas of life, which has had a very positive impact on my life,” said Gonzalez.
In a very male-dominated sport, women’s wrestling has begun to grow in popularity. When asked if she wanted to add anything else in the interview, her response was immediate. “More girls should join the team, not only because it would be good for our team, but also because of all the benefits it can give you to your physical and mental health,” said Gonzalez
Congratulations to Sophia Gonzalez on making history twice for the North Atlanta Girls Wrestling team and North Atlanta will be rooting for her at Regionals.
