The Warren Hills Wrestling Team welcomed two female members this year –juniors Merlyn Garcia and Cory Perez.

Garcia had background in soccer and lacrosse at Warren Hills before joining the wrestling team. She said her interest was sparked by seeing her older brother wrestle.

Perez has played softball and track and field at Warren Hills, and also shines in CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting. Perez said she pushed herself into the sport for the pure mental and physical challenges wrestling demands.

Q: What were the first struggles of wrestling and how have you dealt with them?

Garcia: “Trying to keep up with the guys since they already have had experience. I’ve dealt by practicing harder and asking questions if I need it.”

Perez: “I’ve had diets before for other sports, but it’s never been as strict and hard as wrestling” 

Q: How have the other wrestlers dealt with you being a part of the team, as a girl?

Garcia: “At first it seemed like they didn’t like the fact I was wrestling, but some were supportive, and many people become supportive as well.”

Perez: “They were awkward at first and shy to wrestle us, but now it’s just normal and they treat us as a part of the team.”

Q: How has having one another on the team helped you?

Garcia: “Having Cory on the team has helped me out a lot, knowing that she has my back and helps me through practice. When I don’t understand a movement, she will take me through it till I understand it. Knowing I have a close friend with me makes it better.”

Perez: “Having Merlyn on the team has really helped. She helps me stay on track and keep my focus. She encourages me when I get frustrated with myself at practice. It is nice to have someone to go through this experience with.”

Q: What are your goals for the season?

Garcia: “Try to at least win a match or more.”

Perez: “Goal would be properly learning the movements and winning a match.”

Q: Is there anyone specifically that has helped you, to learn more about the sport?

Garcia: “My older brother, coaches, and four guys on the team have helped me out since I’ve started.”

Perez: “My father has helped me learn more about the sport, and so have some teachers and friends giving me advice from their wrestling background.”

Q: What is it like being a girl in a male-dominated sport?

Garcia: “It’s something different, guys don’t wrestle us the way they would wrestle each other. Other people, like parents or other teachers, look at us differently. Some seem proud and encouraging and others look at us like we are doing a male sport.”

Perez: “It’s awesome being a girl in a male-dominated sport I love breaking a stereotype in wrestling. It feels great and hopefully it’ll empower other girls. That they can be as strong as guys and can committee to the sport.”