Building a Legacy: Coach Ron Reidell Reflects on Sandalwood’s Historic Wrestling Season
In a landmark year for Sandalwood High School, the 2025 winter season marked a turning point for the girls’ wrestling program. Under the leadership of Coach Ron Reidell—a dedicated educator and coach who also serves as an ESE teacher—the team made impressive strides, culminating in the school’s first-ever girls district title in wrestling. For Coach Reidell, this season was more than just a collection of matches—it was the realization of a vision years in the making.
A Full Team for the First Time
“This is the first year we’ve had a full team,” Coach Reidell shared, reflecting on how far the program has come. “In the past, we had just one young lady, Sara Goodman, but she has turned out to be a true leader.”
Goodman’s growth from a solo competitor into the heart and soul of a newly-formed team embodies the spirit of the Sandalwood wrestling program. Her leadership helped pave the way for others, creating a supportive environment where athletes could thrive and grow both on and off the mat.
A Season of Highs and Lows
When asked about the overall outcome of the season, Coach Reidell described it as a mix of triumph and learning opportunities.
“Good—we won the first girls district title in wrestling,” he said proudly. “Bad—we didn't have as many ladies advance to state like I wanted.”
That district title was a watershed moment, not only for the team but for the school itself. It set a new standard for what’s possible and gave the athletes a taste of success to strive for in seasons to come. Despite the disappointment of not advancing more wrestlers to the state level, the experience laid a solid foundation for future growth.
No Flashy Moments—Just Steady Progress
Unlike some seasons that hinge on a dramatic comeback or a single pivotal match, this year’s journey was defined by consistent effort and unity rather than any one defining moment.
“There weren’t any specific turning points,” Reidell noted. “We just kept working hard throughout.”
That steady commitment proved to be a strength, keeping the team focused and grounded as they moved through a competitive season. There was no reliance on luck or singular events—their progress was built on effort, determination, and team cohesion.
Development Across the Board
When it came to player development, Coach Reidell didn’t hesitate to share his pride in the entire squad.
“All of our girls grew throughout the season,” he said.
This comprehensive growth speaks volumes about the culture being fostered at Sandalwood. Every athlete had a role and a chance to step up, and the result was a cohesive unit that pushed each other to improve. From technique to mental toughness, the team saw measurable improvement thanks to the support they gave one another.
Facing Adversity with No Excuses
Every sports season has its fair share of challenges—injuries, tough losses, and the pressure of competition. But according to Coach Reidell, his team never flinched.
“They faced them head-on with no excuses,” he said with admiration.
That mentality is a hallmark of champions. It’s easy to stay focused when things are going well, but this team showed resilience and character in the face of setbacks. It’s an attribute that will serve them well not just in future seasons, but in life beyond wrestling.
A Young Senior and a Bright Future
The 2025 squad had just one senior—and she was a first-year wrestler.
“She made an impact,” Reidell said. “And the future looks bright.”
While many programs lean heavily on senior leadership, Sandalwood’s youth presents a unique opportunity. With nearly the entire team set to return, the experience gained this year becomes even more valuable. What they lacked in veteran depth, they made up for in energy, enthusiasm, and potential.
Looking Ahead
As Coach Reidell turns his focus toward the offseason, he’s already planning how to build on this year’s success.
“We’re looking to get a lot of mat time,” he emphasized.
Repetition, practice, and live wrestling are key ingredients for developing elite competitors. With a full team now in place and a district title under their belt, the motivation is there. The offseason will be critical for fine-tuning skills, enhancing stamina, and fostering even stronger bonds among teammates.
Where to Follow the Team
For those interested in tracking the team’s progress or digging into the data behind their season, Coach Reidell points fans to Trackwrestling, a platform that holds all their official stats.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
This season wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about the emergence of something special. The girls wrestling team at Sandalwood isn’t just participating anymore; they’re competing, achieving, and building a legacy.
Coach Reidell’s leadership has been instrumental in this transformation. As both a coach and an educator, he’s helped shape not only skilled athletes but confident young women who are learning what it means to lead, persevere, and grow.
Sara Goodman’s journey from a solo competitor to a team leader is a microcosm of the program’s evolution. And if this season is any indication, the best is yet to come.
The mat will be waiting next winter. And so will a team that’s ready to go even further.
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