ANDREW HONERKAMP | Online Editor 

Mariya Gaither 

Sport: Wrestling 

Birthplace: Puyallup, Washington 

Year in School: Freshman 

Major: Psychology 

Q: How long have you been playing sports competitively?

A: “I’ve been playing sports competitively for the last 10 years.”

Q: What is the greatest moment of your sports career so far?

A:  “I think the greatest moment of my career would be at our last tournament a few weeks ago I took eighth, and even though it’s not a really high place, I was just really proud to get to wrestle with some of the best women in the nation and still come out in the top eight.”

Q: What are your game-day routines/superstitions?

A:  “My game-day routine really doesn’t start until right before the match. I like to pace back and forth, and I give myself the pep talk my dad gave me before I won my first tournament, and then right before I step on the mat, I have to shake a coach’s hand to get any last minute anxiety out.”

Q: What is your sports fantasy?

A: “My biggest sports fantasy would be to go the 2020 Olympic Trials and make the Olympic team. I think that would just be amazing.”

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

A: “My favorite athlete would have to be Victoria Anthony. Watching her wrestle is like watching a human highlight reel.”