Junior Adyson Henley is a wrestler during the winter sports season at Shadow Ridge High School. She has been wrestling since her freshman year.
“I’ve been wrestling since freshman year,” Henley explains. “I honestly just remember I was nervous but also really excited and I believe I even won that match.”
Just like Henley, sports generally start at young ages. Looking back, she realized how those early moments of excitement laid the groundwork for her strong dedication to wrestling and desire to continually improve.
“I went to the little summer camp they had for wrestling and I really enjoyed the sport,” Henley states.
Each match brought its own set of challenges and celebrations, shaping not only her skills on the mat but also her character off it. That initial experience set the tone for Henley’s entire journey in the sport of wrestling.
“Adyson has grown tremendously the last two years,” Wrestling Coach Burton explains. “She has demonstrated not only physical but mental toughness on and off the mat. Adyson has taken a more vocal role in the wrestling room during the offseason this year. She is quick to assist a teammate with technique or remind them of standards if necessary.”
Her constant dedication toward her team, her supporters, and coaches have overall led to her success on the mat and in life. Her knowledge of the sport has allowed both herself and others to grow and succeed when having a hard time.
Henley explains, “I would say my biggest supporter is probably my mom. She inspires me to keep going even after a rough match.”
Parents are always a large influence in kids’ lives. For Henley, her mom fed her love toward the sport and allowed growth through a new perspective. Parents are generally seen as role models and inspirations toward children and their goals.
“If I have school work that needs to get done. I get it done after I’m home and same with other responsibilities,” Henley states.
Being a student athlete, Henley sometimes struggles to balance academics and athletics, but always seems to handle it to decrease her stress levels. Handling a difficult workload is an important part of balancing life for all student athletes.
“I look forward obviously to seeing her achieving success on the mat in terms of wins, but more so her development into a team leader this season,” Burton states.
Other coaches and supporters have always seen Henley as a high successor and role model for younger athletes. Henley has grown tremendously as a person all around.
