As the newest sanctioned high school sport in Utah, girls wrestling is still looking to get its footing in some schools. At Taylorsville, the girls wrestling team is aiming to take some steps forward in 2024–25. 

Like many girls wrestling programs, Taylorsville has a blend of experienced competitors and team members who have never wrestled before. Head coach Maria Garcia has one returning state placer, senior Malia Meyer. She finished in fourth place in the 190-pound division last season. Garcia said half of her team has wrestled before, while the other half are taking up the sport for the first time. She is confident that “several of the girls” will go to state this year. Along with Meyer, a four-year wrestler, senior 110-pounder Cianna Whitney will be one to watch this season. She is back for her second year on the team, and Garcia has high hopes for her. 

For Garcia, her biggest objectives are to help the girls learn to enjoy the sport and develop good relationships on the team. 

“My goals are to foster a safe space where girls can learn the value of hard work and develop a love for wrestling and camaraderie.”

This season, Garcia hopes the Warriors can be even more competitive and continue to develop the program. To do this, she wants the girls to not only learn the essential skills of wrestling but also improve their strength and take care of their bodies. She emphasized the importance of dedication, too. 

“We plan to improve the program by creating a balanced program that involves skill development, strength training and healthy nutrition,” Garcia said. “I hope to see more commitment from the athletes. Many students want to be involved in multiple activities at one time and this creates a challenge for athlete and team development and success.”

All coaches measure success in various ways—and not always by wins and losses. Garcia wants the girls to do their best, regardless of the outcomes of matches and where the team is or where the wrestlers are individually in the standings. She said the Warriors will need to have positive attitudes and work hard, even if things aren’t going their way. She said reaching these goals begins at the top with her and the other coaches.

“Coaches need to maintain high expectations for the wrestlers,” she said. “Wrestlers need to be consistent with their training, come to practice willing to learn and develop resilience to push through the tough times.”

One thing that stands out about the Taylorsville girls wrestling team is how successful the girls are away from the sport. Garcia said they are “amazing students” and excel in areas of leadership. These accomplishments and attributes translate well onto the wrestling mat. 

“They are all kind and have demonstrated accountability and a willingness to meet team expectations,” she said. “Many are leaders in other areas of the school.”

Taylorsville will once again compete in Region 4 of Class 5A. In league matches, the Warriors will face Hunter, Kearns, Granger, Cyprus and West Jordan. The Warriors will also see other teams from around the state as they compete in various tournaments. 

Wrestling is a physically demanding sport, so proper fitness and training are essential. Avoiding injuries and bouncing back from setbacks are some of the biggest challenges Taylorsville will encounter, Garcia said. 

In addition, Garcia loves the makeup of the team. She said the Warriors team is comprised of athletes with all types of personalities and experiences. She enjoys being a part of such a unique group. 

“The girls are all from diverse backgrounds,” she said. “This brings a unique factor to the team. They are all kind and willing to put themselves out there. This is the kind of team I wish I had when I was in high school.”