Gabrielle Heffez '24 Recruiting Profile

I grew up in an aggressive and hostile school environment that I didn't fit into. This took a toll on my confidence and safety which forced my parents to put me in a sport that could both teach me to defend myself and make me feel more secure around my peers. I started off in Taekwondo, switched to kickboxing, and eventually found wrestling. When I joined wrestling my sophomore year of high school, I joined out of vague interest. My first ever season inspired me with a community and support that I’ve never felt before. What truly made me fall in love with the sport was my folk style season during my junior year. It taught me dedication, hard work and commitment so that I could continue to push myself even when I wasn’t sure I could. I was able to keep pushing myself through my struggle with ADHD in an advanced high school and I pushed myself to place second at the New York City Championships despite coming out of an elbow injury that had me off the mat for half the season. Wrestling has created a grind in me that has inspired me in every aspect of my life. It has taught me balance and perseverance; it has given me the confidence and strength I had been searching for from a young age. I learned that hard work will always triumph over odds such as being a beginner or having learning disabilities. I plan to continue to push these odds and prove what I am capable of.