For Berklee Stump, wrestling is more than just a sport; it's a journey of growth, discipline and perseverance. Although this is her first year wrestling, the sport has been part of her life for much longer. Stump was introduced to wrestling through her dad, who wrestled in high school.
“My dad wrestled when he was younger, so he introduced me to it,” she shared. That early influence sparked her interest and led her to step onto the mat for the first time this year.
One of Stump’s favorite memories from the season was attending her first wrestling tournament. Experiencing the intensity of competition firsthand made the sport feel real and meaningful. While wrestling has been rewarding, it hasn’t been easy.
“Physically it’s really tiring, and mentally it’s hard to stay motivated,” Stump admitted.
The challenges of balancing strength, endurance and mindset have pushed her to her limits. What makes those challenges manageable, however, is the team. Stump emphasized how important team support has been throughout the season. She appreciates “the team hyping each other up and knowing we’re all going through the same things together.”
That shared struggle has created a strong sense of unity and motivation. Through wrestling, Stump has learned valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the mat.
“It’s taught me how to keep going even through hard times and disappointment,” she said. With the support of her family and teammates, she has learned resilience, discipline, and perseverance. Staying organized has also been key, as she focuses on maintaining a routine that allows her to manage her time effectively. When offering advice to younger athletes, Berklee encourages them to stay consistent and trust the process.
“Be constant, learn from your mistakes, listen to the coaches and don’t overthink things you’ve done wrong,” she said.
Looking ahead, Stump plans to attend Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) to study radiology. While she doesn’t plan on wrestling in college, the lessons she’s learned from the sport will stay with her for years to come. Stump’s wrestling journey may be just beginning, but the determination and strength she’s gained will continue to shape her future.