LOS ANGELES, CA. – Anaya was born into a wrestling family as her father (Gerardo) wrestled for the Tigers in the 90s and so did her uncles. Anaya knew she did not have any other option but to put on a singlet and compete for greatness. Greatness was achieved during her sophomore season when she placed third at the CIF state tournament. She went on to finish second as a junior and fifth during her senior campaign.
“I am happy to sign with Emmanuel College as they were one of the first schools with women’s wrestling in college. They have a good program and coaching staff.” Said Anaya
Anaya was a team captain for the Tigers this past season where she once again placed at the CIF state tournament and finished with 38-4 record while winning her third section title and compiling a 137-12 overall record. Anaya’s placing points at the state tournament helped the Tigers to finish to a state team runner-up title.
Anaya is currently undecided about what she will be studying in college. However, she is leaning towards Kinesiology to continue involved in the sport of wrestling. The Emmanuel College coaching is currently undecided what weight Anaya will be wrestling in.
“I would like to wrestle 143 but I will wrestle whatever weight is best for the team.”
The 143-weight class for the Lions is probably the most competitive on the team as it has All-Americans Felicity Bryant, Passion Hollins, Ophelia Lara, Kayla Marano, and Julia Padilla. Making the varsity squad would be an accomplishment of its own.
However, that does not discourage Anaya from trying to achieve her dreams and become a college National Champion in the future.
“I was being recruited by (Colorado Mesa) but decided to attend Emmanuel College as I feel the Lions coaching staff will guide me in the right direction in wrestling and the classroom.”
Emmanuel College had a successful 2019-20 season that saw placed fifth at the NWCA National Duals as well as the Cliff Keen WCWC Women’s National Championship. After two days of competition, the Lions walked away with 5 NCAA All-Americans, 1 National Champion Runner-Up, and a Manuel Gorrarian Award winner.
