Zoey Lints finished fourth in the 145-pound class at the 2025 National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships, leading Division III Elmira to a 10th-place finish. Lints shares a poem, journal entry, and short story about her time in Coralville, Iowa. 

The Blood Rounds 

The crowd roars loud, the lights burn bright,
I walk past dreams lost in the fight.
The bloodround waits, I won’t back down,
This is my moment, my time to crown.

I’ve worked too hard, given too much,
To let it slip through my grip and touch.
I knew I’d win if I stayed on course,
With heart and grit as my driving force.

                                        By Zoey Lints

Saturday, March 8th, 2025

Dear Diary,

Today was one of those days I’ll remember for a long time. I had to step onto the mat again, facing the same girl who had beaten me yesterday. My placing round. I knew going in that it would test me. Not just physically, but mentally too.

As I warmed up, the nerves started creeping in. My thoughts raced, but I told myself to stop. All I could do was calm down, trust myself, and trust God. I whispered a quiet prayer, just asking for the strength to wrestle my best, no matter the outcome.

The match started, and I fought with everything I had. Every second, every move, every scramble, I gave it my all. I didn’t win. What I did do felt huge. I closed the gap, made leaps I’ve only dreamed of. The score wasn’t in my favor, but for the first time after a loss, I felt proud.

I respected her, my opponent. She pushed me in ways I hadn’t been pushed before. Instead of feeling bitter, I felt thankful. Thankful for the chance to wrestle someone that good, and thankful for the drive it’s given me to work even harder.

This loss didn’t feel like a defeat. It felt like a step forward and a moment that will fuel me as I keep growing, keep grinding, and keep improving.

Today reminded me why I love this sport. It’s not just about winning. It’s about heart. I left mine on that mat

                                            Love, 

                                            Zoey Lints

The Power and Determination of Women at the National Wrestling Tournament

By: Zoey Lints

This year's women's wrestling national tournament was a vivid display of the grit and determination required to compete at the highest level. The powerful women who participated showed not only their physical strength, but also their amazing spirits. One unforgettable sight was a coach with a baby strapped to her back all day. She moved with purpose, her voice steady and encouraging, despite the exhaustion that must have weighed heavily on her shoulders. Her dedication displayed the art of multitasking and commitment, balancing motherhood and coaching. It was truly inspiring to see. 

Another remarkable moment was watching a coach whose hands must have been cramping, yet she continued to braid the hair of five different girls, one after the other. Each braid was a symbol of care and support, her fingers weaving not just hair but a sense of unity and strength among the women athletes.

The tournament was filled with moments that captured the essence of women's power. Girls wrestled with ribbons in their hair, their faces set with determination, as they slammed opponents onto the mat. The air carried emotion, as breakdowns occurred, revealing the sacrifices these athletes had made to reach this level. 

The bond between sisters was strong. I heard my sister cry for me when I lost, her tears echoing the deep connection we share, as if our souls were intertwined. 

This is what women do. We support, we fight, and we rise together.