Following an impressive wrestling season, Emmy Rea Hotz was named the March athlete of the month. Rea Hotz went undefeated in the regular season while competing in both the 185 lb and heavy weight divisions.

This was an important accomplishment for Rea Hotz, as well as for the growing girls wrestling program.

“I don’t think I realized how big a deal it was to go undefeated, but looking back on it now, I feel proud of myself,” Rea Hotz said.

Rea Hotz’s wrestling career began during childhood, as she always enjoyed play fighting with her cousin. As she got older, her playing eventually brought her to the sport.

“In 8th grade my aunt put my cousin in wrestling and said I would be really good at it,” Rea Hotz said. “At the time, I just wanted to hang out with my cousin more, so I agreed to go.”

Her decision to join the wrestling program led her to begin competing for Del Val as one of the first seven wrestlers on the girls team’s first year. Before the team was approved by the school, female athletes were able to compete but had to face primarily male athletes.

Since her start, Rea Hotz has been a competitive wrestler. During her sophomore season, she placed seventh in states. Her perfect regular season took her to post season wrestling.

“I feel like I had an incredible season where I achieved a lot, “ Rea Hotz said. “My only two loses were really good matches. I am very sad that I did not place this year, but this will motivate me to work a lot harder in the offseason.“