Mildred is back for her junior year and ready to take on her next opponent. Winning third place in district last year has given her the ambition to strive for more. Practice after practice, she is reaching her goal.

Mildred Pacheco, 11, is entering her third year of wrestling. The wrestling team has been pretty successful but often forgotten about. This year, the girl’s team will not only have to be worried about matches, but also on the lack of girls and beginning a new season with a new coach.

“I joined wrestling because I’m not really that into basketball or volleyball,” Pacheco said.

The female wrestling team has been struggling for a while with the lack of girl wrestlers, as well as the introduction of a new head coach. This year’s wrestling team is going to have some difficulties ahead of them.

“This year, our old coach, Mr. Montes, is gone and coach Valdez is going to step in. Also, we are going to have a smaller team, so there might be difficulties,” Pacheco said.

Because of the lack of girls, this year’s team is going to be smaller than usual. The focus of the team will not necessarily be on competing but rather getting ready for next year.

“With our new coach being Mr. Valdez, this year isn’t going to be much competing but preparation instead,” Pacheco said.

Although there are not that many female athletes, that doesn’t stop Pacheco and the rest of the team from becoming dedicated wrestlers. With the match date closing in on her, she has been practicing extra hard.

“My main goal is to get better for next year,” Pacheco said.