CYPRESS — Waller High School (WHS) Junior Wrestler Emely Jimenez ended her season on the podium at the UIL State Wrestling Tournament, held at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas.

After a two-day competition, she earned 6th place in the state in the 102 lb. weight class. Jimenez entered the state tournament with an impressive 27-7 record with the help of WHS Head Coach Brian Ibanez.

“This is my second year coaching Emely, and I’ve seen her improve tremendously,” Ibanez said. “She is one of the most coachable, humble, and hardest working kids I’ve ever worked with.”

To prepare for competition, wrestling requires both in-class practice as well as a commitment to practicing or competing every day after school. Since athletes have to qualify for their weight class, it is also crucial that they follow very strict nutrition plans.

“I’m so proud of my accomplishments in wrestling this year, I’ve worked hard to get here,” Jimenez said. “I can’t wait to see what next year will bring.”

In addition to her podium finish at the state tournament, Jimenez earned the titles of District 11-5A Champion and Girl MVP, and 2nd Place in Region 3-5A. Prior to wrestling, Jimenez had been a competitor on the softball field, but she comes from a family of athletes and is a second generation WHS Lady Bulldog wrestler. When she was first given the opportunity to try the sport her freshman year she fell in love with it. Her biggest supporters are her parents, Becky Jimenez, who also wrestled for WHS, and Cyrus Jimenez, who trains in mixed martial arts.

“It’s amazing to watch my daughter grow up and do what she does to be successful not only in wrestling, but also in academics,” her mom said. “It takes a lot of heart and a lot of perseverance; a lot of late nights, and early mornings, but she never complains. I could not have done what she does every day and I am so incredibly proud of her.”