Alondra Ordonez, a senior here at NDB, took up wrestling this year. Ordonez is the only senior on NDB’s wrestling team of five. She has been a huge asset to the team, recently taking a victory against Riordan HS. Ordonez had spent most of her free time since she was 10 participating in Sea Cadets, a youth training program that helps develop military skills.
TC: So, why did you decide to start wrestling?
AO: I started wrestling for more of the personal growth side of it. Since it is more of an individual sport you have to focus on overcoming self doubt and things like that. The physical aspect of growing overall strength has been a great thing as well.
TC: How has your experience been with your wrestling team at NDB?
AO: I would definitely say I have been able to grow relationships with my teammates and coaches. Even though our team is so small right now and we want to grow it, I still think it is a good starting base. We also work with Serra students and have gotten to know them as well.
NDB’s wrestling team started just this year. They have a small but strong team of 5, and are hoping with their social media promotion the team can grow more next year.
TC: What are some of your favorite parts about wrestling?
AO: I would say the physical aspect and the strength gain have been the biggest as well as the feeling I get after winning a match. Seeing all my hard work and practice pay off has been great.
Ordonez has recently made the decision to join the marines when she graduates. She has been spending her free time doing Sea Cadets since she was ten years old and was exposed to training similar to the marines.
TC: What made you decide to join the marines when you graduate?
AO: I made the decision similar to why I chose wrestling. The personal growth and discipline involved with the marines, and the fact that they pay for college after were all factors.
TC: Were you exposed to the marines in your life, through personal research or family?
AO: I was exposed to it since I joined Sea Cadets at ten. It is very similar to the marines with the same type of uniform, and out of the house training as well as the environment. I have always been interested in joining but became serious about it around two years ago.
TC: How have you been preparing for boot camp?
AO: I have been focusing on the physical test mostly. With working out and wrestling I am able to prepare my body. I leave for bootcamp on July 21.
The marines and military are very hard decisions to make on choosing to go or not. The support of parents and family is a crucial part in order to feel confident going in. Thankfully Ordonez’s parents and family have been supportive in her decision.
TC: How has your family felt about what you have chosen to do?
AO: Again my family knows I have interest since I have done Sea Cadets. They have been pretty non-interfering and have given me the freedom to do what I think is right.
TC: What are you planning to do after the marines?
AO: I plan to go to college after and pursue a career in law enforcement or military.
Ordonez has used the options that NDB gives to students to help prepare and plan for her future. Ordonez is doing something that most her age wouldn’t consider, it is a very brave choice, one that many can look up to. As Ordonez gets ready to leave for bootcamp on July 21st, be sure to attend some of NDB’s wrestling events to support her and her teammates and wish her good luck with her future!
