Palisade Sophomore, Violet Gray, is the female athlete of the week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Gray has been spending the past 3 years growing in her sport as a wrestler. She started when she was in 8th grade. “One of my friends got me into wrestling,” said Gray. “She said that it would help me with my anger issues. I think it has been a great coping for anything and a great outlet.” Gray shared how she feels the season is going so far. “I definitely think it has been a very good season so far, with only three tournaments,” said Gray. “At two tournaments we placed first and at the tournament last week we placed third.”
Gray is a MYP student reaching for that IB diploma. Gray shared how she manages being a student athlete. “I definitely think it is a lot, especially during the season, however I just think it is about managing your time.” Being on a wrestling team with girls from all over the valley, there are definitely a lot of connections within the team. “I really love the camaraderie that comes with it,” said Gray. “I know that most people don’t think of wrestling as a team sport, but it definitely is. You have to practice with each other, and if you don’t try to make each other better then you are not going to get better.”
Being on a team with about 30 girls, in which three of them are seniors, Gray has so many people to learn from. She talked about one girl on the team who has taught her so much over the past two years. “Molly is a senior this year and she is a really amazing wrestler, but is also a great person at the same time. She maintains really good sportsmanship and is an amazing athlete. I really look up to her.” Thinking outside of school and sports, Gray shared her other enjoyments. “I really enjoy reading and I also do FCCLA. I like to read fiction.”
Gray has seen growth within herself since she has been on the wrestling team. “Anyone who wrestles and puts on the shoes and goes on the mat is an accomplishment in itself,” said Gray. “I personally think that I have done a good job. I have placed at every tournament, and the improvement I have made from last year to this year is something I am proud of.” Lastly, Gray shared some advice for an incoming athlete. “If you are on the fence about trying wrestling, you should just try it. Try any sport you want to try, because it is really hard to get into it in college. Don’t overwork yourself and try your best.” Gray’s dedication and love towards the sport and her desire to learn and grow is an inspiration to the girls on the team. Congratulations Violet Gray, on athlete of the week! 
