By Nina Lueck
Coming off of team State Runner-Up and individual State Champion finishes, the Ponte Vedra High School girls wrestling team has approached this year’s season with a new vigor. Coached by former collegiate, All-American wrestlers, Nadine Fiege (Head Coach) and Alexa Chrisoforatos (Assistant Coach), the Lady Sharks have already attended five tournaments this season, placing top four in each event, out of over 30 teams. On December 10th, Ponte Vedra High School hosted the largest girls wrestling tournament in North Florida and on January 11th, PV additionally hosted a Senior Night Quad Meet. Notably, the team remains undefeated in all-time program duels.
Girls wrestling is rapidly advancing as a newly sanctioned sport in the state of Florida. According to Coach Nadine Fiege, “As a team, our toughest opponents would be teams with full lineups, likes several of the powerhouses in other parts of Florida. Currently, we only have about half of the weight classes in our lineup filled. However, we have consistently proven that quality will prevail over quantity.” The team’s State Runner-Up title last year is a testament to the commitment and talent of the girls, considering they entered the championship with competitors in only four out of fourteen possible weight classes. “Individually, all of our wrestlers match up well and are highly favored in ther individual weight classes. Several of our wrestlers are ranked highly in the state and are eagerly awaiting earning their sport on the podium this year at the 2023 FHSAA State Championships in March,” remarked Fiege.
Some individual wrestlers leading the team this season are returning individual State Champion and senior, Olivia Richie, who has made the finals in every event thus far. Additionally, sophomore, Erin Rizzuto is a returning state placer who is undefeated so far this season, holding an incredible record of 15-0. Some other key players this season include sophomore, Natalie Choquegonza, another returning State placer and senior, Josie Sagasser, who has medaled at several competitions so far.
Regarding her team’s goals for this year, Coach Nadine Fiege stated, “As a team, our athletic goals are to work hard, have fun, and continue to grow both on and off the mat. Coming off of last seasons’s success, our girls feel empowered and have come to the realization that they can do anything they set their minds to. We aim to remain one of the best teams in the state for years to come.” “Own the Ocean is our team motto,” said Coach Fiege. “To us, that means to take accountability and to be strong, dominant, and have good character. In a sense, it means to ‘Own the Ocean’ of life and strive to be the best ‘you’ that you can be.”
The Lady Sharks will be competing in a few more tournaments this season before they head to the inaugural FHSAA Girls Wrestling State Championship in Kissimee, Florida. The state series will take place on March 2nd-4th at the Silver Spurs Arena.
