My name is Trista Swanson, and I’m a college student-athlete, wrestler, and Data Science & Analytics major who is passionate about making the most out of every opportunity life gives me. My journey has been shaped by wrestling, my family, the people I’ve loved and lost, and the experiences that have helped me become the person I am today. Wrestling has played a huge role in my life. My journey began at Salem before I moved to Beloit and became part of West Branch’s wrestling program. I had the opportunity to be part of the first-ever girls wrestling team at West Branch, something I will always be proud of. I competed at the varsity level, earned my varsity letter, qualified for districts, and continued pushing myself to compete at a high level. Being a female wrestler has taught me confidence, discipline, toughness, and resilience. Wrestling has never been easy, but that is one of the reasons I love it. It has taught me that growth comes from being uncomfortable and that losing doesn