Lady Dragon discovers unexpected talent

By John English

Special to the Journal

Simona Olarte started wrestling this season to make herself stronger and faster for her favorite sport -- volleyball.

After amassing a 6-2 record through her first eight matches, however, the Carroll girls wrestler said she is growing to the love the traditionally male-dominated sport and wants to see where it takes her.

"It just seemed like it would be fun," Olarte said. "It's something different. I thought it would help me improve my game in volleyball. I thought it might help me conditioning-wise."

Olarte has played volleyball the last four years, including three years of club, wrestles in the 165-pound weight class and said she has a couple of goals for this season.

"I really just want to do my best and perform well in tournaments," Olarte said. "I think that I am pretty good for a beginner, and I hope that I can go to regionals. I'm not sure about state, but I am shooting for regionals."

Olarte is the lone female wrestler on the Dragons squad this season, but that fact does not change her level of dedication to the sport or commitment to doing her best every time out.

"I try to bring a positive attitude to the team," Olarte said. "I also try to make sure that if something bad happens to me, I can just shake it off. I want to be a good teammate and show support."

While the Southlake freshman believes she is improving as a wrestler with each match, she is not sure how far she wants to go with the sport just yet.

"I am just trying it out right now, but it seems like a lot of fun," Olarte said. "I would like to do it next year for sure, and if I get good enough, maybe I could go to college for it."

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