Clovis East Girls Wrestling: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Glory
The 2025 winter season was one for the history books at Clovis East High School, as the Girls Wrestling team, under the leadership of Coach Joshua Bustamante, not only secured a state championship but also demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience throughout the journey. What began just a few years ago as a humble two-woman roster has now transformed into a powerful squad of eight determined wrestlers—and they’ve made it clear: Clovis East is now a force in girls wrestling.
From Ground Up: Building a Winning Culture
“In past years, we were lucky to have two girls on our team,” Coach Bustamante recalled. “This year, we had eight girls competing. Yes, we won a state title, but the real success is in our growth.”
That steady climb in numbers and performance didn’t happen by chance. The Clovis East athletic department has cultivated a supportive culture that highlights wrestling success and inspires young female athletes to join the movement. As the team continues to grow in both talent and spirit, it’s evident that the groundwork has been laid for long-term excellence.
Key Leaders: Setting the Standard
While Coach Bustamante insists that every girl on the roster contributed to the team’s success, he was quick to point out three standout leaders who set the tone for the season—Jaelyn Unpingco and sisters Isabella and Sophia Gonzales.
“These three girls modeled exactly what younger athletes should be doing,” said Bustamante. Their leadership wasn’t just about winning matches; it was about work ethic, preparation, and passion for the sport.
Jaelyn, in particular, stood out as a mentor. From helping younger teammates prepare for matches to leading by example in practice, she proved that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice, but about being the most consistent, reliable presence. “She’s an advocate of the sport,” Bustamante added. “She represents what it means to be a fierce competitor.”
A State Title Sealed in Seconds
No moment better encapsulated the spirit of the Clovis East girls wrestling season than the final match at the state tournament. With the team title hanging in the balance, Isabella Gonzales stepped onto the mat with everything on the line.
“She knew it was on her to win that finals match to secure the team title,” Bustamante recalled. “And she went out there and showed everyone why they deserved to be state champions.”
When Gonzales pinned her opponent, the gym erupted—fans, teammates, and coaches alike. That pin didn’t just clinch the team’s first-ever state title; it validated every early-morning workout, every hard practice, and every ounce of dedication poured into the season.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
What makes this team special isn’t just their talent—it’s their mental toughness. From injuries to unexpected losses, the Clovis East girls repeatedly showed an ability to rebound and rise.
Jaelyn, for instance, suffered a heartbreaking loss in the state semifinals. Instead of letting it derail her tournament, she regrouped and went on to win her third-place match, defeating an opponent who had bested her earlier in the season. That resilience wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a defining moment that inspired the entire team.
“These girls perform very well under high stress,” said Bustamante. “They’ve learned to thrive in those moments.”
Senior Spotlight: Isabella Gonzales
Though the senior class was small—consisting of just one wrestler, Isabella Gonzales—her impact was monumental. Ranked #1 in the nation, Gonzales not only led on the mat but raised the bar for what’s possible in the sport. Her next stop? The University of Iowa, where she’ll compete at the collegiate level.
“It’s no surprise to me,” said Bustamante. “She works extremely hard, and her success is motivation for our younger girls. If they see their teammate reaching that level, they start to believe they can, too.”
Isabella's legacy is more than just titles and rankings—it’s about leaving a blueprint for success for the next generation of Timberwolves.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Foundation
The best news for Clovis East? They’re not rebuilding—they’re reloading.
With a core group of talented underclassmen returning next year, Coach Bustamante is confident the team can make another championship run. And even beyond the current roster, the future looks promising thanks to a rising tide of female wrestlers in the area.
“What excites me most is the amount of young female athletes coming up,” Bustamante said. “We’re not starting over—we’re continuing to build.”
From seasoned standouts to rising stars, the future of Clovis East Girls Wrestling is bright—and built on the foundation of culture, character, and competition.
Offseason Focus: Sharpening the Edge
Success doesn't come overnight, and it certainly doesn’t rest in the offseason. For Clovis East, the focus moving forward is clear: stay on the grind.
“We’re looking to improve by staying focused and creating clear goals,” said Bustamante. Whether it’s refining technique, increasing strength, or sharpening mental toughness, the team is committed to continuous improvement.
The offseason is about more than just wrestling—it’s about maintaining the mindset of champions.
Follow the Journey
As the Clovis East girls continue to make waves in the wrestling world, fans and supporters can stay connected through the team’s social media platforms:
Instagram: @cehs_wrestling
Facebook: Clovis East Wrestling
Whether you're a future athlete, proud parent, or dedicated fan, these platforms offer a behind-the-scenes look at a team that’s rewriting the history of girls wrestling in California.
Final Thoughts: Champions of More Than Just Wrestling
At its core, the 2025 Clovis East Girls Wrestling season was about more than medals and match wins. It was about growth, grit, and grace under pressure. Coach Bustamante and his team have built a culture where young women are empowered to push their limits, support one another, and chase greatness.
With a state title in hand and a roster full of potential, Clovis East isn’t just a champion today—they’re building a dynasty for tomorrow.
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