Karissa McDaniel has been wrestling for six years, a big portion of her life. She’s participated in this male-dominated sport while pursuing her middle school and high school education in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD). 

McDaniel described tournaments as “pretty fun” and said that “the team is like having a family.” She encourages young wrestlers, especially women who are interested in wrestling, to try it out. “It’s not as rough out there as you think,” she said. “Wrestling can actually form good bonds and friendships.”

Her plans for her future are distinct as a junior. McDaniel said that she doesn’t think about pursuing wrestling as a career, but views it as hobby that she might continue to engage in in college. She sees her future in a different practice, as an accountant, and she works toward that goal every day. 

McDaniel has had a lot of great experiences with wrestling. “Wrestling for females is very fun, and more competitive than you think. We have this inner connection and rivalry that is unlike any other sport,” she said.

Despite all the good experiences she’s encountered, there have been plenty of bad as well. “Being a female wrestler is difficult,” she said. “Female wrestling is very competitive and often stigmatized.” She regularly fights against these stereotypes. 

McDaniel loves wrestling and forming relationships in and outside of the ring. She spends her time with her family and friends, and playing with her dog, but still allows enough time to balance wrestling practice with her team. “It is a little part of my big life,” she said, and encourages upcoming wrestlers to try their hand at wrestling too.