Angelina Borelli ended her senior season on a high note, making school history placing second in the state and second in the nation for wrestling. For someone who has been on the mat since she was seven years old, the moment meant everything. Years of early mornings, long practices, and hard matches finally showed in the biggest way.
Her weeks are anything but easy. Borelli trains at 5 a.m. five days a week and still fits in one to two two-hour practices every day. It’s a routine that takes serious commitment, especially while keeping up with school.
Balancing wrestling and academics hasn’t always been simple. She says the sport is demanding, but staying organized and focused helps her manage it all. Even on the busiest days, she makes sure her responsibilities in the classroom are handled.
This season wasn’t perfect, though. Her hardest match was the only one she lost. Instead of letting it define her, she used it as motivation to keep pushing forward.
“It was such an exhilarating moment,” Borelli said. “Even though it would’ve been nice to take the state title, I’m so grateful for the opportunities I got this season and I’m so proud of my performance.” For her, it wasn’t just about medals, but about growth.
Before every big match, she puts on her pre-match playlist and reminds herself to enjoy the moment. She tells herself it could always be her last match, which helps her stay present and wrestle with heart. That mindset has carried her through pressure-filled competitions.
Borelli would like to credit her family, friends, coaches, and especially her training partners for helping her get through the season. She says the biggest lesson she’s learned is that if you set a goal and truly work for it, nothing is impossible.
Her advice to younger girls interested in wrestling is that now is the best time to start, and even when you don’t feel like you’re improving, someone is always looking up to you.
Her plan after high school is to attend the United States Air Force Academy, where she will continue her academic and wrestling career.
