“As a coach, there is no greater pride than seeing our wrestlers take what they learned on the mat, work ethic, toughness, accountability, and teamwork, and carry it into service to our country, our state, and our community,” said Paul Garcia, Liberty High School Head Wrestling Coach. “Liberty wrestling builds more than wrestlers. We build leaders.”
Ronin Davis, United States Air Force Academy Applicant
Ronin Davis shared that the structure and rigor of military life appealed to him, along with the opportunity to protect the country he loves. He explained that wrestling taught him discipline, patience, and the importance of trusting the process, even when results are not immediate. As he awaits a decision on his application to the United States Air Force Academy, Davis shared that representing Liberty wrestling motivates him to demonstrate the strength, discipline, and character developed through the program.
Charlie Gadbois, United States Air Force Academy Applicant
Charlie Gadbois is also seeking an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. He is currently awaiting a decision as he works toward the opportunity to develop as both a scholar and future officer through one of the most selective institutions in the country.
Brooke Aguilera, United States Air Force
Brooke Aguilera explained that wrestling strengthened her mentality and taught her to embrace discomfort, a lesson she believes will be essential in military service. She shared that the sport showed her she is capable of doing anything she commits to and emphasized that representing Liberty wrestling means carrying forward the discipline, toughness, and accountability she developed on the mat into the Air Force.
Adrian Estrada, United States Marine Corps
Adrian Estrada shared that serving in the Marine Corps has been his dream since he was about nine years old. He explained that wrestling gave him the mindset that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to and said he will rely heavily on the mental toughness developed through the sport during military training. Estrada reflected that consistently placing at tournaments during his final season showed him that he was capable of performing at his best. Representing Liberty wrestling, he said, means entering the Marines mentally prepared, physically strong, and confident that he has people who will continue to support and motivate him when doubt arises.
Gabriel Atkinson, Army National Guard
Gabriel Atkinson shared that he chose to serve after wanting to join the military for several years. He said wrestling at Liberty trained both his mind and body and helped him recognize how much he had grown from one season to the next. Atkinson explained that he will rely on the mental toughness learned through wrestling to keep pushing forward and added that the sport taught him that even though wrestling is individual, success comes from shared effort, support, and accountability within a team.
Andrew Mendoza Torres, United States Marine Corps
Andrew Mendoza Torres shared that his commitment to the Marine Corps reflects the discipline, honor, and accountability he developed through wrestling. He explained that the demanding nature of the sport prepared him to dedicate himself fully to service and to something greater than himself.
Together, these wrestlers represent Liberty High School with pride. Through their own experiences and reflections, they show how the lessons learned in the wrestling room translate into leadership, service, and sacrifice beyond the mat.
Liberty High School wrestling clearly builds more than just wrestlers.