Rachel Hernandez '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello! My name is Rachel Hernandez,

I started wrestling my freshmen year of High school, I was a small little girl but when I saw the girls team in my brothers wrestling team I was amazed on how strong and brave they were, and I wanted to be just like them, I no longer wanted to be seen as the little fragile girl-because I wasn't.  the day I stepped foot on those mats I knew my life was going to change, but I never knew it was going to be for the best. throughout the season I saw how I improved and how my teammates became my family, we pushed each other and gave each other tips on how to get better, which kept us sane through all the rigorous training. My wrestling family helped me get through so many things and in return i also helped all the new girls not feel afraid or out of place-just as i had felt when i started. I battled through tough matches, but never forgot about wrestling through my school work and leadership positions on campus; i was a leader in my campus and a leader on the matt but never forgot that i could not advance if they didn't advance. My heart was devastated when i was suddenly kept from wrestling as a tumor was discovered in my head, i missed almost a full season but once i got the okay to return i didn't think twice and i picked up my wrestling shoes and got to work. i worked so hard and pushed myself harder than any season to prepare for CIF. i may have not gotten what i wanted but i felt a huge improvement in my way of thinking, i no longer was afraid to fail, failure has been a huge learning factor for me and i know that the more i learn the better i will get. my coaches never gave up on me and they still don't because i have the determination to try again and again, failing a lot, just to learn and become better. my determination and love for this sport has pushed me to great lengths which i hope i can continue in the future, whether it be in your college or in a small dojo somewhere but i hope i can become part of your team.