Pleasant Grove’s girls wrestling team finally gets to take the spotlight
PLEASANT GROVE, Utah — Pleasant Grove High School has long since been known for its boy’s wrestling program. Just two years ago, the Utah High School Activities Association sanctioned girls wrestling for the 2020-2021 season, and the girls have proven their worth.
Team coach, Cali Moore, says their team has doubled since last year and they hope to continue building their numbers.
“The more the merrier. It’s a sport for all types and everyone will have an opportunity to wrestle. We get excited to see how much our team is growing.”
The 6A girl’s wrestling team took third place in the Utah state tournament this year, led by team captains Brooklyn Hays and Gracie Borchardt.
Coach Moore says, “They were both returning wrestlers from last year and were a huge help in teaching the new girls. They both work very hard and are great examples.”
Brooklyn Hays is a two-time state champion with an amazing record, dominating in the 155-pound 6A championship finals. She is currently ranked fourth in the nation and continues to excel.
Hays is continually pushing herself, “Right now I train like I am going to the Olympics. If life takes me there, so bit it. I know it’s a journey and giving my best seems to take me to good places.”
Hays recognizes that she couldn’t get anywhere without the support of her team.
“I would not be the athlete I am without my support. I fight a hard mental and physical battle while striving for more. I push my body to exhaustion. But I can keep going because I have the biggest support group to keep me on my feet.”
Coach Moore couldn’t agree more and works to establish a program that teaches the team life skills when they come to practice or compete in tournaments.
“We want them to develop a good work ethic and enjoy the sport.”
And that hard work has paid off, with every athlete qualifying to compete this year.
“Working with the boys has been a big motivator,” Moore says, “The boys set a high pace and intensity and you can see the determination in the girls’ faces as they keep up. They want to be the best two teams, working side by side.”
Whether on the local stage or national level, Pleasant Grove High School knows they have the support of their community.
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