New Female Wrestler: I’Yonna Sanders Steps Onto the Mat

I’Yonna Sanders is a freshman at Walnut Grove. She is on the school’s female wrestling team. I’Yonna’s love for wrestling began in middle school. 
by Ty Cameron and Sean Clift

​I’Yonna Sanders is a freshman at Walnut Grove. She is on the school’s girls' wrestling team. I’Yonna’s love for wrestling began in middle school. When asked why she started, she stated, “I got started through seeing videos. I thought it looked cool, and I wanted to try it.”

There is a big difference between middle school and high school sports. When asked about how it has affected her, I’Yonna replied, “It’s really tough. I have to make sure I am ready because many of my matches are challenging.”

Wrestling is a physically and mentally exhausting sport. I’Yonna explains how she warms up before one of her matches: “I make sure I am warmed up and ready. I am usually nervous, so I try to calm myself down.” Several skills come in handy to successfully win a wrestling match, and I’Yonna explained some of the major ones. “I think strength is the biggest thing. A few other skills that are important, though, are stamina, technique, and focus.”

Although I’Yonna has years of experience in wrestling, she notes some areas she could strengthen. “Technique is something I have to focus on. One thing I have to work on is my shots.”

I’Yonna notes that while there have been some challenging wrestling moments, she is ready for what high school wrestling will bring.

The next wrestling meet will take place on Friday, December 5, at The Grove. It will also be broadcast by the Call of the Warriors, so make sure to tune in!