For Makayla Power, a junior at Shadow Ridge High School, wrestling is more than just a high school sport; it is the foundation for a future defined by discipline and professional aspirations. As a state-ranked competitor for the Mustangs, Power’s journey has transitioned from a novice seeking a college scholarship to a seasoned veteran aiming for a career in professional fighting.
Now in her junior year, Power describes her growth as a complete evolution.
“My mindset and style has changed tremendously,” she explains. “I am more confident and harder working than when I first started.”
This maturity is evident on the mat, where she has moved beyond the basics to incorporate advanced techniques that have propelled her to elite status, including reaching the 100-career-win milestone in November 2025.
However, this season was not without its hurdles. Power faced a significant “funk” at the start of the 2025-26 season, losing matches she felt were within her reach. “I had lost my spark,” she reflects. She overcame this period of self-doubt by re-framing her perspective, realizing that individual results are secondary to the long-term process of success. Supported by her teammates and coaches, she regained her form just in time for one of the region’s most prestigious events.
The turning point came during the 2025 Sierra Nevada Classic. Entering the tournament, it remained the only major event where Power had never placed. In a high-stakes consolation match against a tough opponent from McQueen High School, she secured the victory that guaranteed her a spot on the podium.
“When I won that match to get to the medals, I felt extremely accomplished and grateful,” she says. “The hard work I had put in was worth it.”
For Power, being a female wrestler carries an additional layer of purpose. It is about challenging stereotypes and proving that toughness and discipline are not gender-specific.
“It’s walking into rooms where you might be underestimated and choosing to let your work ethic speak loudest,” she asserts.
As she continues her junior campaign at Shadow Ridge, Power remains “unapologetically competitive,” using every match as a stepping stone toward her ultimate goal of professional fighting.
