Hanford High Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: History Made, Legacy Built
For Coach Ronnie Reyes and the Hanford High School varsity wrestling team, the 2025 winter season wasn’t just another year on the mat — it was a landmark moment in the program’s evolution. With standout performances, unprecedented accomplishments, and a growing roster of dedicated female athletes, this season reflected how hard work, resilience, and leadership can change the course of a program’s future.
At the heart of the team’s success was senior Ariel Reyes, who not only led the squad as team captain but also became the first girl in school history to qualify for the state tournament — a moment that Coach Reyes and the team will never forget.
Leaders on and off the Mat
Coach Reyes highlighted two key athletes who carried the program this season: Ariel Reyes and Cerissa Castillo. Ariel, the only senior on the team, set the standard in every aspect — effort, attitude, and performance. As team captain, she was someone the other girls looked up to, and her commitment inspired her teammates to push themselves harder every day.
“She was out six months with an injury,” Coach Reyes recalled. “But she came back and put in the work — practices, gym time, wrestling camps, and weekend training.”
Ariel’s dedication paid off in the biggest way possible. After returning from injury, she won League, placed 2nd at Divisionals, and 5th at the Valley Championships, securing a historic qualification for the state tournament. It was a journey of grit, perseverance, and redemption — especially considering she avenged a previous loss at Divisionals by defeating the same opponent when it mattered most.
Freshman Cerissa Castillo was another revelation for the team. Competing in her first varsity season, she showed maturity beyond her years. Cerissa won her league title, placed 3rd at Divisionals, and went 1-2 at the Valley Championships, an impressive showing for a newcomer.
“Not bad for a freshman,” Coach Reyes said proudly.
Defining Moments and Redemption
Every great season has its pivotal moments — and for Hanford, those came when Ariel and Cerissa each defeated opponents in the postseason who had beaten them earlier in the year. It was the kind of full-circle moment that exemplifies growth and mental toughness.
These victories weren't just about revenge. They were about belief — belief in the process, the preparation, and each other. For Ariel, her final match at the Valley Championships, which secured her place at State, was a high-pressure, high-stakes bout — one made even more meaningful because of her personal connection to the sport.
“She has three older brothers who went to state,” Coach Reyes said. “So the pressure was there. But she rose to the occasion.”
Rising From Injury
Ariel’s comeback story defined the heart of this team. Sitting out for six months due to injury is a daunting challenge for any athlete, let alone one in their final season. But instead of fading into the background, she used the time to grow stronger — both mentally and physically.
When she returned, her presence elevated the entire team. Her leadership, particularly among a young group of wrestlers, was invaluable. She brought intensity to the room, encouragement to her teammates, and the knowledge of what it takes to compete at the highest level.
A Program on the Rise
Coach Reyes is quick to point out that the success of this season wasn’t just about individual achievements — it’s about the momentum of an entire program in the making. Just three years ago, he started the girls wrestling team with a single athlete. Now, that number has grown to 10 and counting, a clear sign that the sport is taking root at Hanford High.
“There’s a hunger to learn and improve,” Coach Reyes said. “That’s what excites me most about our future.”
With young wrestlers like Cerissa already showing promise, and more athletes entering the program each year, the foundation is set for continued success. The next generation of Hanford wrestlers won’t just be building on history — they’ll be making more of their own.
Looking Ahead: Offseason Goals
The offseason will be key to continuing the upward trajectory. Coach Reyes is focused on sharpening technique and increasing participation in May workouts and summer wrestling camps. These training sessions will allow returning athletes to build chemistry, refine their skills, and gain valuable match experience heading into next season.
He emphasizes the importance of continuing to grow — both in size and in skill. That means recruiting more athletes, deepening the team’s talent pool, and instilling the same work ethic and discipline that made this year’s team a standout.
Stats and Standings
For those who want to dive deeper into the numbers or relive the season’s most exciting moments, stats for Hanford High Wrestling are available on:
Track Wrestling
Flo Wrestling
Leaving a Legacy
When the story of Hanford High’s wrestling program is told in the years to come, the 2025 season will be remembered as the year a senior captain blazed the trail.
Ariel Reyes didn’t just win matches — she changed the culture. She showed that with heart, resilience, and determination, anything is possible. And she inspired a team of young girls — many of whom had never seen themselves as wrestlers before — to believe in their own potential.
Coach Reyes’ pride in his team is evident, not just in the results, but in the process: the long hours, the tough practices, the early mornings, and late nights. His belief in the team and his commitment to growing the sport at Hanford are what continue to push the program forward.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season for Hanford High Wrestling wasn’t just about winning — it was about growth, courage, and breaking new ground. With a new generation of female athletes embracing the sport and a coach committed to building something lasting, the future is bright.
As the program turns the page to the next chapter, it does so with confidence and conviction — backed by a season that proved what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
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