Her heart is beating faster than usual. She feels the rush of adrenaline go through her body as sweat drips down her forehead. The crowd watches with intensity. She looks at her opponent, her eyes focused, her stance steady as she draws a slow breath. This is the moment she’s been training for.
Every match starts the same way for Brynlee Mooney, not with the buzz of the crowd, but with a prayer.
“Before I go on the mat I think to myself: ‘wrestle smart, wrestle hard,’ and I ask God to give me strength and wisdom,” Mooney said.
Although she’s only a freshman, Mooney has already represented TWHS four times as a wrestler. Already, she’s gained a reputation for her resilience and fearlessness against her opponents. Brynlee has already become one of the standout athletes on the girls wrestling team.
She may be young, but she has the confidence of a veteran. Just at a first glance, it’s obvious that she’s not like the others. She’s exceptionally competitive, determined, and committed to winning. That you can tell by the way she walks into the practice wrestling room, with a look of unabashed determination in her eyes.
This February, Mooney went to 2025 TX-USAW Folkstyle Youth State — a significant event in the folkstyle wrestling community — it attracts participants from across the United States, showcasing the best young wrestlers in the country. There, Mooney won first place against Sarahi Guerrero from Silverback Wrestling Fort Worth.
Recently, Mooney also secured second place in 2026 UIL State Championship, confirming her place among the top young wrestlers in Texas
“If I can move you, I can beat you.” Brynlee Mooney said.
Mooney’s determination has been greatly inspired by her Coach Livian Lopez, who has shown Brynlee strategies and techniques that go far beyond the basics, both in matches and tournaments.
“[Lopez] got third at the Olympics and is one of my favorite coaches because he shows me all his crazy cool moves,” Mooney said.
Lopez has done more for Mooney than just teaching wrestling, he’s changed her mindset.
“My coach tells me before every match to get on the scoreboard because no matter the outcome of the match, score your points,” Mooney said.
Lopez teaches his students about discipline, patience, and perseverance.
“‘Bang the head and go’ is something our coach tells us because he wants us to get our takedown first,” Mooney said.
Only a freshman, Mooney’s journey is just beginning. With many years still ahead of her, her second-place state finish may be just the first of many major achievements.
