Tyla Olson has been one of the top grapplers for Mount Baker girls wrestling the last few years. Olson placed fourth in Class 1A’s 140-pound division at the 2024 Mat Classic and was an alternate in 2023.
“It’s an honor to wrestle for Mount Baker because they built it up very high,” Olson said. “Last year was crazy. I struggled with confidence so I was not expecting to win that match to go for third or fourth. It was a rush that you can’t explain.”
Olson was the only wrestler on the Mountaineers girls team to place at state last season. Her success has been built over the years — she began wrestling in second grade because her family used to compete in the sport.
“I continued wrestling because I like the discipline of it and being able to build a bond with other teammates,” Olson said. “I also don’t get this type of adrenaline rush in another sport. It’s just me and the other girl.”
As a senior, Olson finished the regular season with a 27-5 record, won the 1A District 1 title and is aiming for a gold medal at the Mat Classic this season. Olson believes her success is due to the support of her coaches, who helped her realize what she can learn from losses and that hard work pays off.
She also takes those lessons and uses them to teach her younger teammates.
“You get so close to these girls and it’s like a family,” Olson said. “It’s an honor to be able to be a leader and come so far. I try to keep their confidence up, and [make sure] that they are not getting into their head.”
Olson does not plan to wrestle after high school. Even though her career is nearly over, she said will never forget the moments she made with her teammates, coaches and competitors.
“It’s a cool experience and something I will cherish forever,” Olson said. “You are never going to spend Saturdays in the bleachers.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
