Stanley-Boyd’s Koraline Pennala is having an outstanding wrestling season. She has already claimed first place at the Barron Invite for the second straight year and earned a fourth-place finish at the 39-team Eau Claire Memorial Invite.
Pennala is still relatively new to the sport, having first joined the wrestling program last season. She had considered wrestling since middle school and was inspired to finally give it a try after watching teammate Sierra Marten dedicate herself to the sport and realizing it was something she would enjoy.
Being part of the growth of girls wrestling at Stanley-Boyd has been especially meaningful for Pennala. She calls it “a very eventful and amazing experience,” adding that,
“It’s always great to see girls trying the sport out.”
She also understands the significance of helping lead the way for future athletes:
“It means a lot to me to be part of the new opportunity for female wrestlers. There are so many youth wrestling girls that look up to us. It’s kinda like setting history to be the first girls’ team at Stanley.”
Despite her early success, Pennala knows she is still developing as a wrestler and continues to work hard at learning the sport in just her second year of competition.
One match that stands out for her this season came during the Holiday Scramble, where she says, “Even though I got pushed around I never gave up.”
Pennala credits her parents for being her strongest supporters, making sure she’s prepared, healthy, and encouraged. She also appreciates the support system within the program, calling it “an amazing feeling knowing that you always have other people that are doing the same thing and are in it for the same run.”
Every week Pennala continues to make an impact in Stanley-Boyd wrestling. With her determination and commitment in the growing girls wrestling program, Koraline Pennala is not only a standout wrestler, but also part of a special group of girls helping make history in the Stanley-Boyd wrestling program. Well done, Koraline!
