Whether it comes to winning a match, helping her team, or just having a positive attitude, Wrestler Senior Youen Yang does it all. Entering 2026, this year is Yang’s last wrestling season in high school, and she will surely make her mark.

   Yang has been participating in girls wrestling throughout all her years of high school.  But, this school year she has accomplished much, including placing top three at multiple varsity tournaments, including the “Goddess of Victoria” tournament held at UC High. “I am also proud of winning all of my matches during the meets against other schools this season, especially with the pin I earned over my opponent on Senior Night,” said Yang.

   Wrestling can put a lot of pressure on an athlete and that is why one thing that Yang’s teammates admire greatly about her is her strength and determination. Teammate Junior Chloe Holguin said, “What makes Youen different from other wrestlers is her determination and perseverance.” Yang is also considered a great role model as a veteran on the team. Holguin also said, “Youen contributes to our wrestling team a lot, she’s always positive at practice and is a big role model for the girls on the team. Yang has the type of strength that gives her the motivation to never give up no matter what. “She’s always fighting off her back and tries her hardest to win until the last second,” said Holguin.

   But how does Yang stay so strong throughout the whole season? Yang said, “I focus on taking care of my health by eating nutritiously and getting adequate sleep so that I have the energy to perform well in the practices and tournaments.” To prepare before matches, Yang said she tries to stay calm and not overthink: “I like to make sure that I am mentally prepared by keeping a positive mindset.”

  Wrestling requires resilience, discipline, and strength, all of which Yang performs exceptionally. According to Junior Jasmine Franco, one of her teammates, Yang is small but fierce. Even being the lightest on her team, Yang wins all her matches by never backing down and using all her strength to beat her opponents. “It’s not easy for her to wrestle girls ten plus pounds heavier than her; Youen is the lightest on the team and has to work harder than the others,” said Holguin.

   Aside from Yang’s strength, it is her mindset and her attitude that leaves a big impact on her team. “She’s made it a very welcoming and fun place, even when we are drilling hard,” said Franco. Hyping up your teammates and creating a positive atmosphere is a very important part of sports and Yang excels at doing just that. But, Yang is also a big role model for all the girls on the team. “As a four-

year wrestler in

her final

season, we

all look up to

her,” said Holguin.

   This being her last year on the Girls Wrestling Team, she will have lots to miss but also lots of memories to treasure. Yang said, “My favorite part of wrestling is seeing the accomplishments and improvements my team and I have made together from pushing ourselves and to be able to celebrate our victories with everyone.”