On Saturday, February 17, junior wrestler Samaria Barnett became the first female from Judson High School to win a state championship.
Barnett, through her practice and dedication, has not only set the bar high for future female Judson wrestlers but has set an example for the wrestling department as a whole.
“It means a lot to me because it means I can show my teammates that they can also do it if they put in the work for it,” Barnett said.
Barnett herself knows what it means to put in the work to achieve even greater things, as she fell one place short of champion last year. Barnett had very high standards for herself, and this shortcoming only fueled her to push even harder.
“I kept in mind that feeling when I lost throughout this season, and anytime I felt like giving up, I remember how much better I wanted to do this year,” Barnett said.
But it wasn’t just Barnett’s drive that got her the gold medal. It was also her team’s motivation and support that she felt took her the rest of the way.
“Their support always helped me. They have always cheered me on and rooted for me, and it helped me stay in a positive state of mind,” Barnett said.
On top of having an insatiable drive for success and a team-backed positive mindset, the second Barnett steps on the mat, her head is nowhere but in the game.
“A unique quality she has is the ability to lock in before the match. There’s a lot of noise coming from all angles, and having that kind of focus is what allows her to take herself to the next level,” wrestling coach Taylor Spivey said.
Barnett has her sights set on even bigger goals for her senior year, and it’s clear she has all the skill, drive, and support she needs to achieve them.
“I want to have zero losses. I want to win district, regional, and state champion again, all by pins instead of points,” Bernett said.