Fred C. Beyer High School Girls Wrestling: A Season of Grit, Growth, and Promise
2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series
At Fred C. Beyer High School, the 2025 girls wrestling season wasn’t just about pins, points, and podium finishes—it was about perseverance, unity, and breaking new ground. Under the guidance of Head Coach Nick Perez, the team defied expectations, overcame setbacks, and left a lasting mark on the Central Valley wrestling community.
With only six athletes on the roster, many might have expected a modest showing. Instead, Beyer’s girls wrestling team qualified all six wrestlers to the Masters Tournament, a feat that speaks volumes about their talent, toughness, and the culture of excellence Coach Perez has built.
Core Contributors Rise to the Occasion
The foundation of any successful team lies in the commitment and leadership of its athletes, and this year, several key competitors stepped up in major ways.
Ayla Hernandez-Chavez, who was honored with the prestigious Coach's Award, stood out for her dedication, work ethic, and consistency throughout the season. Whether in the practice room or under the spotlight on match day, Ayla set the tone for the team with her focus and competitiveness.
Layla Giontoli, a transfer who became eligible midseason, wasted no time making her presence felt. Her arrival added depth and strength to the roster, and her performances helped push the team to new heights in tournaments and league duals.
Together, these two helped shape the identity of a program that’s becoming known not just for its success, but for its resilience.
A Season Defined by Excellence—and Heart
Coach Perez didn’t hesitate to label the 2025 campaign a “great success.” And he had plenty of reasons to say so.
Despite having just half a lineup—a full team would typically include wrestlers across 14 weight classes—Beyer still managed to compete at a high level across multiple events, frequently finishing among the top teams.
“It speaks volumes for how well these half dozen women competed,” said Perez. “They wrestled with heart and consistency. They never let our smaller numbers define our capabilities.”
The biggest highlight? All six wrestlers punched their ticket to the Masters Tournament—a major accomplishment that placed Beyer among the elite programs in the region.
Emerging Stars: Growth Through Grit
As the season wore on, a number of athletes didn’t just fill their roles—they grew into them.
Alexa Juarez continued to evolve as a wrestler, showcasing improvement in both technical skill and mental toughness. Her steady climb throughout the season was a source of pride for the coaching staff.
Madison Viodes also made significant strides. Her hard work behind the scenes translated into tangible results when it mattered most, and she emerged as a quiet force within the team.
Watching these young athletes embrace the grind and rise to the occasion was a defining part of the season’s narrative.
Leadership That Can’t Be Measured in Medals
In many ways, senior captain Cheyenne Alexander was the heart of the team. As the only senior on the roster, she took on the responsibility of guiding a largely young squad through the challenges of a grueling wrestling season.
What made Alexander’s impact even more remarkable was her perseverance through adversity. Battling illness and injury, she refused to let setbacks define her season. Her grit carried her all the way to the Masters Tournament, where she narrowly missed qualifying for State.
“She was the heart of this team, especially on competition day,” said Coach Perez. “Her leadership was about more than words—it was about showing up, pushing through, and leading by example.”
Responding to Adversity with Unity
Wrestling is often viewed as an individual sport, but this Beyer team moved and grew as a unit. Injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations are part of any season, but what made this team special was how they responded.
Led by Alexander and fueled by mutual respect and encouragement, the squad grew tighter with every challenge. Instead of splintering, they rallied around one another—a testament to the family-like culture that Coach Perez has nurtured.
Their mental toughness was never more evident than in tournaments, where they faced larger, deeper teams and still walked away with medals and respect.
A Future Built on a Strong Foundation
While saying goodbye to Alexander will be bittersweet, the future of Beyer’s girls' wrestling program looks brighter than ever.
One major reason? The developmental program at the junior high level that Coach Perez and his staff have been investing in for the past three years. Several of those young wrestlers will be making the leap to high school next season, and the coaching staff is confident they’ll make an immediate impact.
“These girls have been working hard for years already,” Perez explained. “They’re going to come in ready to compete and elevate our program even further.”
The returning athletes, combined with the incoming talent, give the program the depth and versatility needed to fill out a full lineup and contend for team titles in the coming years.
Offseason Goals: Daily Progress
As for the offseason, Coach Perez is keeping things simple yet effective. The goal? “Just get better every day.” That mindset—incremental improvement, consistent effort, and attention to detail—has already laid the foundation for this year’s success, and it will continue to guide the team moving forward.
With plans for offseason training, camps, and additional mat time, the Patriots are already building momentum for 2026. The bar has been raised, and the athletes are embracing the challenge.
A Program on the Rise
The story of Fred C. Beyer High School’s 2025 girls wrestling team is not just one of athletic success—it’s a story of resilience, culture, and rising potential.
From Alexander’s leadership to the emergence of Alexa and Madison, from the impact of newcomers like Layla to the promise of the junior high program, this season was about more than wins—it was about laying the groundwork for a dynasty.
With Coach Nick Perez at the helm and a locker room full of determined young women, Beyer is proving that you don’t need a full roster to make a full impact—you just need heart, grit, and belief.
And if this season is any indication, the Patriots are just getting started.
For more information on Fred C. Beyer High School girls wrestling, including schedules, results, and future events, please contact the school’s athletic department.
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