When most people hear about Sydney Balducci (’19) and Holt athletics, they think of soccer. That all changed her senior year, when Balducci picked up a new sport: wrestling.

When it was announced that Holt would have a girls wrestling team for the 2018-2019, Balducci decided to come out and see what it is was about. Balducci’s mindset on wrestling was open-minded. “It’s something different and I wanted to try something new,” Balducci said. Trying out and being on the wrestling team was a great experience for Balducci.

As the team began to practice together, Balducci spotted an extraordinary talent on the mats: freshman Esther Han. “First time I saw her wrestle, first thing that came to my mind was she was an absolute beast,” said Balducci. Balducci’s observation turned out to be spot on, as Han finished her season 26-0 and as a state champion.  

When asked what her favorite memory is from wrestling, Balducci couldn’t just pick one. “Being a part of such a great team and having an inside joke with the coaches are some of my favorites”,  Balducci said. 

While Balducci will never wrestle for Holt again because she is s senior, it won’t keep her from encouraging other girls to pick up wrestling. For Balducci, wrestling was “something new, going out of your comfort zone,” so she would love to see others give it a shot. Wrestling was an overall great experience or Balducci. “I lowkey miss it,” said Balducci.

Wrestling has also helped Sydney get ready for her senior soccer season. Wrestling has made her “stronger and more aggressive,” which should translate well to the soccer pitch. “I was staying fit over the offseason, so that was helpful,” said Balducci.

With wrestling in the rearview mirror, Balducci’s focus is solely on soccer. Balducci is expected to have a big impact on the team this year, as she has been one of the most important players since her freshman year.

Balducci’s personal goal for the year is to actually be able to kick with my left foot.

As a team goal it is different. “I want to go further than we did last year and win districts,” said Balducci. Holt will come into this year looking to avoid being eliminated in districts by Troy for the 4th consecutive year.

To get past Troy, Holt will need to step it up. “We need to not be scared and have everyone come out as hard as possible,” said Balducci. Many girls in the squad believe that will be the case, as this team is full of talented players who play well together.

This squad is much younger than last year’s team, as it contains three seniors, opposed to the seven from last year. The team will do its best to make up for the loss of several seniors. “We won’t, to be quite honest, but us three seniors (Sydney, Jewel Morelan, and Savannah Smith) will have to be great leaders and push the team to win,” Balducci said.

“It’s gonna be a good year and everyone should support us, home or away, and we will be a fun team to watch,” said Balducci. The girls have an exciting season to look forward to, and would love the support from their fellow classmates. Get out and watch some girls soccer this year, as the girls will soon begin their hunt for a district championship.