Senior Naria Medrano has made Alexandria City High School history, becoming the first female wrestler to reach 100 wins. On February 8,2025, Medrano reached the milestone after pinning her opponent in the district tournament at the school’s Minnie Howard campus.

Q – What does reaching 100 wins mean to you personally?
A – Reaching 100 wins is a reflection of my dedication, hard work, and commitment to wrestling. It showcases how much I’ve invested in the sport and the progress I’ve made over the years.

Q – How has wrestling shaped you as an athlete and a person?
A – Wrestling has made me more resilient. Quitting is never an option for me, and I apply that same mindset to my daily life and goals. The drive to improve every day in wrestling translates into how I approach challenges in all aspects of life.

Q – What were the biggest challenges you faced on your way to this milestone?
A – The biggest challenge was myself—self-doubt, fear and wanting to give up when things got tough. Whenever I let negative thoughts take over, my performance suffered. Overcoming that mental barrier was key to my success.

Q – Was there a particular match that stood out to you in your journey to 100 wins?
A – Yes, my quarterfinals match at regionals. I had wrestled this girl multiple times over the past three years and always fell short. But at regionals, something changed—I fully trusted myself. I put on one of my best performances and defeated the second-ranked girl in the state. That match proved how much I’ve grown and that I belong at the top.

Q – How do you balance school, training and competing at a high level?
A – It’s tough, and sometimes I struggle with balance. I use a to-do list with deadlines to stay accountable for my schoolwork. I also remind myself that wrestling is a privilege, and I need to stay on top of academics to continue competing.

Q – What do you think people misunderstand most about girls’ wrestling?
A – That we don’t work as hard as the boys do.

Q – Who has been your biggest influence or supporter throughout your career?
A – My coaches. Mr. Paladin, who was my sixth-grade science teacher, has seen me grow up and is like a second dad—tough when necessary but always supportive. Coach Marshall believed in me from the start and never let me quit, no matter how much I wanted to. Coach Will taught me the most important lesson: always have fun. He’d even threaten to pull me from a tournament if I wasn’t enjoying it.

Q – What goals do you have now that you’ve hit this milestone?
A – I want to wrestle in college, place at Nationals, and ultimately win a National Championship. My biggest dream is to compete in the Olympics.

Q – How has the sport changed since you first started wrestling?
A – More girls have joined, and there’s greater recognition of women’s wrestling as a legitimate and growing sport. It’s only getting better and more competitive.

Q – What advice would you give to younger girls who want to wrestle?
A – Go for it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It may seem hard and intimidating at first, but you’ll fall in love with it. You belong in the wrestling room just as much as anyone else.

Q – Take me through the match that secured your 100th win.
A – It was at Districts. I hit a double-leg takedown for three points at the end of the first period. In the second, I started from the bottom, escaped and secured a go-behind takedown. I wanted to finish the match quickly, so I made every movement intentional. I secured a pin with a baseball bat hold. When my hand was raised, Coach Marshall announced my 100th win, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.

Q – What was your reaction when you realized you hit 100?
A – I felt so happy and recognized. It’s an achievement not everyone reaches, especially as a girl in a male-dominated sport. I’ve made my mark.

Q – What was your coaches’ and teammates’ reaction to your success?
So much support. Lots of hugs—even from Coach Marshall, and he hates hugs! My team is my family, and I’m forever grateful for them.

Medrano plans to take her talents to the next level by committing to college to wrestle, but has not chosen a school yet. Regardless of where she chooses, she has made history here at Alexandria City High School. 

Ultimately, Medrano would go on to place 2nd in the state championship after a narrow loss.