Derrione Collier '25 Recruiting Profile

   Wrestling found me later than most—at the end of my junior year—but when it did, it ignited a fire that has reshaped my life. After years of searching for a sport that I could be successful in, wrestling allowed me to depend solely on MY effort, MY grit, and MY heart. When I first  stepped foot in the wrestling room and met my Coach Travis Hammons, I finally felt at home. Now, with just two seasons and one off-season under my belt, I am hungrier than ever to prove that greatness is not just about when you start, but how you finish.  

   I compete at 140-150 lbs with a ‘Twister’ style defined by quick feet, heavy hands, and fluidity. My arsenal includes mis-directions, ankle picks, cross-body shots, and arm drags. This collection of skills reflect my speed, and aggressiveness. My edge lies in my mindset - resilience is my rhythm and the letter “P” is my favorite: position, pace, physicality, purpose, and poise. After years of playing team sports where outcomes felt out of my control, wrestling taught me to thrive in the raw, individual battle of my heart versus my opponent’s heart and my will versus my opponents’ will. My records of 17-8 as a first-year wrestler and 13-8 my senior season only hint at my trajectory. Every loss fueled me and every setback sharpened me. These minor setbacks only prepare me for a major comeback. When others doubted my late start or questioned my commitment, I doubled down. I train with one mantra among others, “Become one with everything you do - feel it.”  

   Academically, I have never settled. With an unweighted 3.45 GPA, top 12 class ranking, and a slate of honors and AP courses since freshman year, I balanced the grind of the mat with the rigor of National Honor Society, Dean’s List accolades, and perfect attendance. Wrestling taught me to ruthlessly prioritize. While there were times I stepped back to focus on school, my discipline only deepened my resolve and made me even more hungry when stepping back on to the mat. Learning is my lifelong mission, in textbooks, in daily efforts, and in the nuances of a takedown.  

 Off the mat, I embrace a “fox mentality”: adaptable, strategic, and relentlessly curious. I mentor youth in my community, work alongside the mayor of Country Club Hills, and guide students at Victory Martial Arts Academy. I enjoy the idea of riding motorcycles, skydiving, roller coasters, and anything involving an adrenaline rush. On the calmer side, I love anime and video games—especially those that reflect my love for adrenaline. Over the past three years, I have supported my grandmother through her recovery from a stroke. This has been my biggest personal challenge yet because of how much her stroke and recovery process has impacted my life. Her fight mirrors my own: quiet, unyielding, and rooted in love.  

   I am not the typical recruit. I started late after realizing I was looking for a way to shine independently. Wrestling gives me a sense of individuality and control over the outcomes of my matches. I have overcome doubters, but I thrive on proving that drive trumps expectations. My coaches and my martial arts sensei taught me to see wrestling as a mindset, not just a sport. I am now obsessed with mastering functional techniques, body control, and chasing the singular goal of standing atop a podium.  

   I am looking for a program where a coach sees my hunger and thinks, “This wrestler will outwork everyone.” In return, I will bring unshakable positivity, loyalty, and a team-first ethos. I do not need pomp or promises—just a chance to grind, grow, and honor the sport that taught me to bet on myself.  

I’m looking forward to building something great together.  

Respectfully,  

Derrione Collier