Redshirt Sophomore Marissa Gallegos is the first wrestler to qualify for the US Olympic trials from Colorado Mesa University.
Gallegos has been wrestling for 10 years. She is seeded No.11 at 53 kg going into the weekend.
“I wrestle because I love wrestling; I love the process of training, being disciplined, and it gives me the opportunity to use my platform to shine my light for God. It allows me to help the younger girls know that any dream and goal is possible, no matter what obstacles you may be faced with,” Gallegos said.
She has faced many challenges throughout her athletic career. Gallegos came into college recovering from her third shoulder surgery, yet that did not stop her.
“She set a goal this summer to qualify for Olympic Trials and she has been fully committed to that goal,” Women’s Wrestling Head Coach Travis Mercado said.
She barely missed qualifications at her first senior national tournament in 2019, where she placed 6th.
Qualifying took a great amount of dedication and determination.
“I had no idea I’d be where I am today when I first came into college, healing from my 3rd surgery. It shows me that even though success isn’t always linear, consistency and hard work will pay off even if it’s a few years down the road, or later on in life outside of wrestling,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos will likely compete against the No.6 seed. The last time these athletes took the mat together was in 2015.
The trials will be held April 2-3 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
