Lyndey Wilda is a powerhouse on the tennis court, but she has recently been dominating on the wrestling mat.

The Perry athlete is a senior who has played tennis for four years, but picked up wrestling just five months ago, and she has grown to love it.

“I started wrestling because my best friend, Isabelle Stoops, had joined, and I loved the tradition of wrestling in Perry,” Wilda said. “I wanted to keep the tradition alive and help start the first girls’ team.”

Wrestling is not the most common sport for girls to participate in. Wilda took a risk when pursuing wrestling, and it is apparent that it has paid off. She now aids in continuing the Perry wrestling tradition, inspiring the people around her.

“I enjoy wrestling because it pushes me to make myself better in all aspects of my life,” Wilda said.

Wrestling is much more than a sport, and Wilda can attest to the mental and physical growth that it has allowed her.

In just five short months, Wilda has learned countless lessons from the sport she has grown so passionate about.

“The biggest lesson I have learned from wrestling is that failing is necessary to succeed,” she said. “If you don’t give up and keep trying you will always have a chance.”

The lessons she has learned apply to much more than just her sport, and she will carry them with her for the rest of her life.

Wilda has naturally assumed a leadership role within her athletic community. She leads her teammates by being a positive example in all areas of her life, both in and out of athletics.

“I help lead my team by setting a good example with myself and encouraging them to keep trying and never give up,” she said.