There are moments in a parent’s life when you stop and realize just how much your child has grown—not just in stature or skill, but in spirit. For me, that moment came every time I watched my daughter step onto the wrestling mat. No matter the weight class—101, 116, 121, or even 123—she brought the same quiet intensity, the same unwavering determination. She didn’t just wrestle; she fought with every ounce of grit in her soul.
One moment in particular stands out above the rest: January 21st, 2023. The Lady Eagles Invitational at John Glenn High School. She was the underdog, going up against a highly ranked opponent in a heavier weight class than usual. The odds weren’t in her favor—but that never stopped her before. That day, she didn’t just win a match—she won First Place in the 123 lb weight class. More importantly, she proved what I already knew: strength isn’t always loud, but it is always undeniable.
She made it to CIF three years in a row, earning commendations and respect along the way. But beyond the medals, brackets, and recognition, what I’m most proud of is how she showed up. Day after day. Training through injuries, balancing school, facing down fear and fatigue. Wrestling isn’t just a sport—it’s a test of character. And she passed that test every time she stepped on the mat.
Today, she’s transitioned into powerlifting—not for trophies or accolades, but for herself. For her personal goals. For the love of growth and challenge. That same fire still burns, just in a different arena. She may no longer wear a singlet, but the spirit of the warrior is still there, alive and well.
This post is for her.
For the young woman who never backed down.
For the fighter who wrestled with heart and now lifts with soul.
For the STAR who continues to rise.
It’s important to celebrate these traits—commitment, strength, and grit—because they’re not just for the mat or the gym. They’re the very foundation of who she is and who she will become. And in a world that often focuses on the flashy and the fleeting, I want to shine a light on what truly lasts: character, courage, and the unbreakable will to grow.
So to my daughter (who is enjoying a vacation at the lake with her boyfriend right now–and I miss her wanting to take vacations with me!)
My Daughter Emerson—my STAR—thank you for being a living reminder of what it means to never give up. You inspire me every day.
Keep shining. The world needs your light.