Spotlight: Kendra Heroch on Achieving Her Dream of Collegiate Wrestling

Kendra Heroch, a freshman wrestler from Trion, GA, is making waves at Emmanuel College. A standout in high school, Kendra is a 4-time Georgia state placer and 4-time state runner-up, and she made history as the first girl from Chattooga High School to qualify for the state tournament. Now competing at the collegiate level, Kendra reflects on her journey, her motivation, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to future wrestlers. Here’s what she had to say:

Q: What’s it like accomplishing your dream of being a collegiate wrestler?

Kendra: Being able to wrestle on the college level is a blessing. Working out and practicing alongside strong women who have just as much love for the sport is a great experience and very motivating.

Q: How did your coaches (high school/rec) prepare you for this level?

Kendra: All of the coaches I’ve had throughout my wrestling journey have taken the time to make me a better person and athlete. They helped prepare me for the hardship that comes with the sport of wrestling, and they also taught me that if something is worth fighting for, it’s worth the struggle.

Q: How has the transition to college athletics been for you?

Kendra: It’s been somewhat of a challenge. The workouts and the practices are definitely more intense. School is also a challenge in itself. I’ve had to learn how to manage my time more efficiently while trying to make it to workouts and practice. But overall, it’s been an interesting experience, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be a student-athlete and wrestle at the college level.

Q: What’s your practice schedule like?

Kendra: Since we’re still in the offseason, we have workouts five days a week. We lift on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and we combine lifting and conditioning on Wednesday and Friday. Practices are on Monday and Thursday.

Q: What are your goals in college and beyond?

Kendra: My goals while in college are to do well in all my classes, learn more about wrestling, and grow as a person. After college, I want to become a wrestling coach and inspire others, showing them that anything is possible through God.

Q: What would you tell younger girls who want to follow in your footsteps as a wrestler?

Kendra: Wrestling is a love-hate sport. Practice never gets easier, you just get tougher. The losses you take won’t be the end of your journey. When you get beat, you get up, and you get better. And when you start to succeed—whether it be in anything you do—always remember to give the glory to God, because without Him, nothing is possible.

With her determination and the support of her teammates, Kendra Heroch is a force on the mat and an inspiration off it. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues her journey in collegiate wrestling!

Additionally, Kendra and the Emmanuel College Women’s Wrestling Team are hosting The Phone-A-Thon fundraiser. The funds raised will go towards travel expenses, including plane tickets and better accommodations when traveling for competitions. If you’d like to contribute to Kendra’s fundraising goal of $500, please consider donating at buynowcc.com/eua or text EMMANUEL to 44944. Your support is greatly appreciated