Proving that appearances can be deceiving, Isabella (Belle) Vargas, a 5-foot 2-1/2-inch, 108-pound Juan Diego Catholic High School senior, is a force to be reckoned with. While carrying a strenuous course load, she is finishing up her high school career breaking ground for girls across the state in the sport of wrestling. Vargas recently represented the 4A division at USA Wrestling’s annual Utah All-Star Duals Jan. 12 at Telos U in Orem.
“It is difficult for those who are not familiar with high school wrestling to understand what an honor it is to be chosen for the USA Wrestling all-star meet,” Athletic Director Chris Long said. “These athletes are truly the best of the best for all classifications in Utah. Belle is a talented, hard-working, dedicated and focused athlete. Belle is paving the way for other young women to be able to participate in wrestling. This is right up there with Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to compete in the Boston Marathon.”
In particular, because this is the first year that girls’ wrestling has been sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association, and therefore included in the all-star meet, “We are all incredibly proud of her,” he said.
Vargas began wrestling in El Paso, Texas before moving to Utah. Her interest was piqued when her father enrolled her brothers in wrestling and then her sister Yvette began wrestling. Following Yvette, Belle Vargas started wrestling for her middle school team and found she loved the sport. She began wrestling at JDCHS her sophomore year after moving to Utah the year prior. That year she was the only girl on the wrestling team. Last year Yvette and two other girls Samantha Harker and Jade Alcala joined her.
Those first two years, before girls wrestling became a sanctioned sport, competing against boys was hard going, Vargas admitted.
“Against boys, it has been really tough because not only are they physically tougher and stronger but because of that I have a problem getting in my head and making myself do worse than I could have because I overthink everything,” she said.
Vargas said people are often surprised that she is a wrestler.
They’re like ‘that’s not a girls’ sport’– even coaches,” she said. “Going through that has helped me overcome judgement of others and not caring what others think. I think that will help me in my future career because I will be able to overcome any obstacles or judgement and just really do what I believe is right.”
Vargas had been anticipating a great first year in girls wrestling when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic has led to a shortened season, which is disappointing, but she is very grateful to have a season at all, she said. She has been doing well against girls so far; until the Jan. 12 match she was undefeated.
“We are all incredibly proud of her,” Long said. “She would be quick to remind us however, that although the all-star meet was a great honor, the ultimate goal is still ahead: winning a state championship.”
“I would really like to have a really great last season of high school, just push myself to do as well as I can, especially under the circumstances with COVID and still exploring how girls wrestling is going to be now that it’s sanctioned,” Vargas said. “My goal is to just go out there and work as hard as I can, learn from all my mistakes and make this the best year that I have had.”
Vargas has not decided whether she will pursue wrestling in college, although she has had some offers. Her knees have been giving her trouble and she is concerned if she pushes things it could lead to permanent damage, she said. Wherever she chooses to continue her education, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science and to then attend law school. She hopes to then practice in the criminal justice system.
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