Pocket Life
By Corky Mau
March 2025
Takedown Team
Kennedy girls wrestle for strength and confidence
John F. Kennedy High School Coach Mike Taniguchi invited me to campus to learn why girls are falling in love with wrestling. It’s the nation’s fastest growing prep sport.
“Wrestling was traditionally considered a male sport because of its combat nature and physical demands. But the sport also offers benefits to girls,” Taniguchi says. “They’ll acquire a skill set that can be used in self-defense situations. Girls can move through life with confidence, physical strength, grit and mental toughness.”
Taniguchi is a rookie coach, but he knows wrestling. He was two-time state champion as a teen at Iolani School in Honolulu.
Girls aren’t new to high school wrestling. Generations ago, they joined boys teams and competed against males. Today, most states sanction all-girl tournaments.
Amaya Noble grew up in a wrestling family. Her father and uncle participate in mixed martial arts. Her three brothers wrestled in high school. Older brother Jordan is a volunteer coach for the Kennedy boys.
Noble is ninth grade class president and competes in volleyball, soccer and wrestling at the 105-pound level. This season, she won a silver medal at the West Coast Tournament of Champions in Roseville.
“I like the mental and physical challenges of wrestling,” she says. “I admire Olympian wrestler Amit Elor. She’s from California and posts tips about improving grappling techniques on YouTube.”
Noble’s practice partner is Daniella Lopez-Garcia, who competes at 100 pounds. “This is the first sport I’ve ever tried,” Lopez-Garcia says. “I thought wrestling could help me get stronger. I got sick and cried after the first practice. I was uncomfortable touching people and being aggressive. I almost quit but was determined to stick it out.”
Daily workouts are grueling, designed to build endurance and learn techniques. In four months, Taniguchi watched Lopez-Garcia advance from timid to fearless.
“Now Daniella has that steely gaze when she faces opponents,” the coach says.
“I lost a lot of matches before I won one,” Lopez-Garcia admits. “I’m OK with that. Losing just means I have more training to do. Wrestling has boosted my self-esteem. I’ll return next season.”
Gia Smith was a judo standout before wrestling became a passion. The work paid off when Smith opened the season with a 14-1 record at 130 pounds. “Wrestling is fun,” she says. “Before a match, I tell myself I won’t get beat. I rely on my fast reflexes and moves to win.”
Beyond wins and losses, Taniguchi sees the wrestlers growing personally and on the mat. The girls have become the sport’s ambassadors at Kennedy.
BEATLES NIGHT
Travel back to the British Invasion when Ticket to Ride Electric-Acoustic band plays Beatles music at Elks Lodge No. 6 Saturday, March. 8, from 7–10 p.m.
Dance-only tickets are $20. Or enjoy a pasta dinner before the dance at $35 per person. Prices rise to $40 after March 6. Call (916) 422-6666 for information.
BEATLES NIGHT
Travel back to the British Invasion when Ticket to Ride Electric-Acoustic band plays Beatles music at Elks Lodge No. 6 Saturday, March. 8, from 7–10 p.m.
Dance-only tickets are $20. Or enjoy a pasta dinner before the dance at $35 per person. Prices rise to $40 after March 6. Call (916) 422-6666 for information.
