Walnut, Calif. – The Mt. San Antonio College Women's Wrestling Team is preparing for their third official season, led by Head Coach David Rivera. With a roster of around 22 athletes, the program is set to continue building on its strong foundation. Having secured second place in each of its first two seasons, the team aims to push further this year, embracing new challenges and opportunities.

"We're excited and really looking forward to the season," said Coach Rivera. "We've got some great recruits coming in this season, so we're looking really good as far as that is concerned. They're excited to compete and so am I."

A major shift for the program this season is the transition to freestyle wrestling, an Olympic style distinct from the folkstyle format most of the athletes wrestled in high school. Freestyle wrestling rewards execution while focusing more on scoring points through exposure to the opponent's back, with an emphasis on aggression and quick pins. For many of the wrestlers, this will be their first experience with the style.

"This is a big transition for the girls," Rivera explained. "In folkstyle, it's more about control and holding your opponent down. Freestyle is faster-paced and more about scoring points. It'll be interesting to see how they adjust, but I know they're ready to take on the challenge."

The team has been preparing with a mix of training techniques, including wrestling drills, weightlifting, running stairs and perfecting their technique. Despite the rigorous preparation, the coaching staff ensures the athletes have fun while staying motivated.

"The most exciting part for me is watching the team compete," Rivera shared. "Seeing their hard work pay off on the mat is what motivates me. It's all about preparing them and watching them rise to the occasion."

Coach Rivera highlighted the women's camaraderie as a major strength. "This group has a strong bond and they've formed a true team," he said. "They look forward to training together, competing against one another and enjoying quality time outside of wrestling. It's great to see. They beat up on each other at practice, which really builds their connection. It's a different kind of bonding - aggressive bonding," he joked.

As the season approaches, the team's goals focus on staying healthy and motivated while adapting to freestyle wrestling. "In the beginning, it's always fun to get started, but the key is maintaining that energy throughout the season," Rivera emphasized. "We're building traditions here, and that takes time and patience. I'm looking forward to each athlete being successful this season and seeing how far we can go as a team."

Coach Rivera encourages fans to come out and support the team. "The girls love having fans in the stands. It really fuels their energy and adds to the excitement of competition."