Broken Arrow’s Kristen DeLaRosa
Girl’s wrestling may still be new to some sports fans in Oklahoma, however for many wrestling fans, they remember how for years girls were forced to wrestle against the boys. Once the popularity of girls wrestling became apparent, girl’s wrestling in Oklahoma was finally a thing.
For Broken Arrow High School’s Kristen DeLaRosa, wrestling came to her naturally. Now a junior, DeLaRosa is having a memorable season for the Tigers.
“My season this year has been really good! My record so far is 36-4 going into regionals, and hoping to add more wins,” said DeLaRosa.
Adding more wins is exactly what DeLaRosa did in the state tournament. Making it to the finals, DeLaRosa defeated Abigail Rivero of Stillwater in sudden victory adding her name to the long list of state champions at Broken Arrow HS. DeLaRosa finished the season with a record of 46-4.
But wins are not the only thing wrestling has given DeLaRosa, it has also taught her discipline and the value of hard work. That work continues despite being a state champion. It shows when she is on the mat and how much she continues to improve.
“I would say the strength of my skill set is being very coachable, I have grown this year a lot by leveling up my wrestling IQ by watching film and going to big tournaments.
Being a good teammate is something that’s important to DeLaRosa.
“What I love most about my teammates is how close we have all gotten as a family. We all laugh together, keep everyone accountable and on the right path for success,” DeLaRosa said. “I have been super impressed with my teammate Emily Beckley. She is currently #15 in the nation and watching her grow not only in the room but outside as a person has been an amazing opportunity.”
As for life after high school? The junior said she will continue to work for that shot at wrestling at the next level. “My Goal life after high school is go to college to wrestle, and eventually wrestle on the senior level. After that I was to coach a high school team,” said DeLaRosa.
