In a sport highly dominated by males, junior Sophia Salvador has made her mark on the North varsity wrestling team as the only female on their roster. Inspired by her older brother Michael Salvador’s former career in wrestling, Sophia Salvador began wrestling early on. Proving herself on and off the mat, she has exceeded the expectations of both her brother and her coach in a traditionally male-dominant sport.

Initially, Sophia Salvador was drawn to the sense of unity and camaraderie that she often saw when going to her brother’s meets. Watching her brother’s career inspired her desire to experience the sport herself. As a part of North’s team, she now has the opportunity to prove herself, just like her brother did.

“I would go to my brother’s meets and tournaments, it seemed like there was a really strong bond among all of the wrestlers and their coaches and a lot of support,” Sophia Salvador said.

As an experienced wrestler and current North varsity wrestling assistant coach, Sophia Salvador’s older brother Michael Salvafor is learning what it is like to coach different people, including his own sister. As a 2023 alumni of North’s wrestling team, Michael Salvador thinks it is inspiring to have the opportunity to guide his younger sister as both her brother and her coach. 

“It’s nerve racking trying to coach my sister but at the same time I’m very glad to have this opportunity to help her the best I can,” Michael Salvador said.

Coaching wrestling for seven years at North, and five in a head coaching position, Head Coach Jared Nelson has had the opportunity to coach both Sophia Salvador and Michael Salvador. While each has their own unique style, both share a determination and strength that has made them stand out. Nelson has seen how Sophia is influenced by Michael’s techniques, but he also notes how she’s developing her own strategies and moves on the mat.

“I think they are alike and different in many ways, however, they are both strong and have the willpower to achieve anything when they put their minds to it,” Nelson said. “Looking to see if Sophia can borrow Michaels double leg takedown!”

Additionally, Nelson has seen an increase in female athletes with a desire to join the team. Although they are competing against mostly males, he never doubts his female wrestlers in their ability to show up and give it their all.

“So far we have had interested girls who don’t care who is in front of them to wrestle, they give 110% effort when facing adversity and often surprise themself coming out on top, but coach always believes,” Nelson said.

For Sophia Salvador, the challenge of being the only girl on the team has pushed her to work even harder. She is required to step up her game and embrace the higher standards set by her male teammates. Her hard work has paid off and she has beaten every girl she has wrestled against in varsity matches and is looking to continue as she makes a run for the state tournament.

“Practicing in a room full of boys, I think the bar is set higher so you are expected to work hard and push yourself which I like,” Sophia Salvador said.