The wrestling team at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School has gained many new athletes this season, but in particular, we are highlighting the three first-year female wrestlers that joined the team this season: Vera Chunnanond (‘26), Raunak Kaur Rajani (‘26), and Allison Aviles Quintanilla (‘26).

Each wrestler has worked hard this season both in practice and at matches. When asked what made them start wrestling, Aviles Quintanilla said, “I saw my friends had joined, and I heard stories from them about wrestling. As I heard more, I became interested and said, ‘You know what, let me join.’” Chunnanond had a similar motivation for starting as she said, “My friend Ronnie convinced me to start wrestling. I thought it would be a good sport to invest my time in because I’m a gymnast and a boxer.” Kaur Rajani said, “I decided to wrestle, at first, for college applications and because I have a background in karate and ballroom dancing. I hoped that it would help me get stronger.”

When asked about her thoughts on wrestling, Rajani made a comparison of wrestling to swimming in the sense that “you don’t actually know how to do it unless you try again and again and again” She also stated, “I think that this sport is more mental strategy and conditioning.” Chunnanond said, “Even though wrestling may seem dependent on strength, intelligence and experience have a lot to do with the sport.”

Community is another big part of wrestling and allows for a more supportive environment. Chunnanond even stated how the community was her favorite part. Quintanilla said, “I like the fact that there’s not a specific, defined look for a wrestler. Truly anybody can be a wrestler, regardless of body type.” Raunak, like Chunnanond, said, “My favorite part is the community created by wrestling in this school and elsewhere. I felt like a part of the team pretty quickly, and tournaments usually end up with me making another friend.”

Wrestling is often seen as a heavily male-dominated sport, but in reality, many females are in the sport, and the numbers continue to grow each year. Based on their experience as female wrestlers this season– though not the first females to be on Maggie Walker’s team– Quintanilla said, “It’s honestly a bit difficult as I usually have to drill with the guys, and they can be a lot rougher than girls. However, it does help with learning how to go against different opponents.” Rajani talked about how, in the beginning, wrestling was tough, and it felt like she was being compared to other guys on her team. However, she said, “Later on, when I wrestled girls at tournaments and even other guys, I could see and hear how much support I received from other people to keep going as a female in wrestling.”

After looking back on their seasons, even with highs and lows, they all want to continue wrestling. They all said they are hoping to improve as they continue wrestling throughout high school. Quintanilla said, “It’s something that actually has helped me with my self-confidence, and I hope to continue and to get better at it.” Rajani said, “I really hope that more people join wrestling, especially girls who want to try a new sport.” So, if you are looking for a new sport to try next winter, then you should check out wrestling!