After Isabel Anaya became the first female wrestling state champion in the area last year, Zavala is looking to follow in those footsteps.
PARK TWP. - Le'Anna Zavala has her eyes on the podium.
After placing at the state wrestling finals for three years, the West Ottawa senior wants to end her high school wrestling career with a banner finish.
"I want to the finals and keep having things to look forward to," Zavala said.
Zavala finished eighth, sixth and fifth in the past three state finals.
This year, she is ranked No. 3 at 170 after dominating the previous third-ranked wrestler from Middleville with an 8-0 decision, avenging to earlier defeats.
In fact, Zavala has only lost four times this season, but to just two opponents. The other two losses came to the top-ranked wrestler in the state from Romeo.
"She is just a leader. You don't want to mess with her on the mat. She is a three-time state placer for a reason," West Ottawa coach Mathias Sarli said. "We are excited for her to hopefully make a run at a state championship."
Zavala got a huge confidence boost from her Middleville victory.
"I finally beat her with a major decision (8-0). I tried to stay in good position and tried to be ready for anything. I always think two steps ahead, and that was something I really used during that match.It gave me a lot of confidence. It showed me I am moving in the right direction," she said. But being in the top three is really nerve-wracking. There is just a lot of pressure there."
Zavala has embraced that pressure and transformed it into work ethic. It is a tough combination to beat.
If that wasn't enough, she joined the boys rugby team in the spring and got to use her quickness on the field.
"I joined rugby and that gave me some more explosiveness," she said.
While her strength and explosiveness have improved, Zavala hasn't forgotten to perfect the little things - details that could be pivotal in big matches.
"One thing she learned was her positioning, knowing where her hips are and where her head is. She is always asking questions to get better," Sarli said. "She is just tough as a rock. I practice with her almost every day. She is one tough wrestler. She is doing whatever she can to get to that state championship and follow in Isabel Anaya's footsteps. She took fifth her junior year just like Isabel. We are hoping that reciprocates this year."
Anaya became the first girls wrestler in the Holland area to claim a state title when she went unbeaten last year at heavyweight.
Not having that practice partner has been a transition for Zavala.
"The biggest different is no Isabel this year. I don't have someone throwing me around. I have coach Sarli, but it is different," Zavala said. "I changed up my style a little bit. It gives me a new look on things. Guys are more proactive and coach is really old school, so he has some different styles. The girls are usually really scrappy. I am stronger this year. I have been going to the gym since the season ended last year. Going from 190 to 170 I feel quick on my feet and ready for anything."
Zavala hasn't decided whether she will enter the postseason at 170 or 190. There are pros and cons to each weight class.
"My agility during matches has really improved. That helps, especially in the higher weight classes. So it is the best of both worlds," Zavala said. "Isabel shaped me a lot. I wouldn't be here without her to look up to. I am hoping to be that example for the girls now."
Zavala is hoping that example leads her to a college team, whether it be in wrestling or rugby, or even both.
"I have been debating whether I want to do wrestling or rugby in college. I love both. I just love it. Hitting people just like wrestling. I am looking at whatever gives me the best opportunity and at a school with mechanical engineering," she said. "I am really grateful for opportunities like this. This sport has opened up so much for me. I would have never thought I would be here. The sport has made me feel like everything else in life is easier."
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’[email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: West Ottawa wrestler Le'Anna Zavala aims for state championship
Category: General Sports
