A varsity wrestler since freshman year, senior Olivia Zabierek has brought immense dedication to the team, on and off the mat. Wrestling is a notoriously demanding sport, requiring endurance, commitment, and confidence, traits that Zabierek is commended for embodying. As a team captain this year, she has played a large role in encouraging the team, guiding new wrestlers, and contributing to a positive team environment where everyone can thrive.
Zabierek notes that being confident in your abilities is crucial when wrestling, and staying positive is key to keeping your motivation up, even amid difficult matches. “It really is about your mindset,” Zabierek explains, “You just have to trust that you can win if you just keep fighting and keep in good spirits.” It takes incredible dedication to stick with a sport for your entire high school career, and Zabierek credits the supportive community of people around her for being a part of what makes it possible. “I love the coaches. They’re all really fun to work with, as well as the new people. Wrestling itself has given me so much. I can apply it to every part of my life,” she said. This season, in particular, has been very memorable for her. Aside from it being her last, the team was also in the unique position of having to train and practice somewhere new. Due to the construction taking place in the previous wrestling room, they had to relocate to a room in the Northgate Mall. Zabierek has enjoyed adapting to a new environment, as well as interacting with all of the new wrestlers who have joined this year.
Among these new wrestlers is Terra Linda freshman Charlotte McKay. This season was McKay’s first, filled with learning and new experiences, thanks in part to Zabierek’s guidance as captain. McKay noted Zabierek’s ability to keep the team motivated. “What makes her a great teammate is that she never complains about anything and always encourages the team,” McKay stated. Not only is Zabierek a talented athlete, but she’s also a great person to look up to, always offering words of encouragement and teaching others. “She is really good at explaining the wrestling, the moves, and the drilling, especially to the people who are new,” McKay reflected.
As she looks into the future, Zabierek sees herself wrestling in a club or potentially even coaching. Zabierek has been a prominent and beloved part of the wrestling team for the past four years, and her positive spirit and work ethic will be dearly missed as the season comes to a close and she prepares to graduate. The Trojan community wishes Zabierek the best as she enters the next phase of her journey and congratulates her on a season well done!
