My name is Alonzo Smiley and I’m a Junior at UD from Carol Stream, Illinois, currently studying Criminal Justice at the University of Dubuque. I am also a member of the Men’s Wrestling team, a sport that has been a significant part of my life for 14 years. I transferred to UD this past fall from Triton College in Chicago, where I earned All-American honors. Wrestling has been more than just a sport to me; it has been a teacher of life lessons. Through wrestling, I have learned discipline, mental toughness, humility, consistency, and confidence, shaping me into the person I am today. In many ways, I believe that wrestling saved my life. Growing up, I faced various challenges, including frequent moves and a challenging home environment. Raised by a single mother who did her best, I learned the value of resilience early on. However, it wasn’t until I was older that I realized the extent of my family’s struggles.
Being around peers who had more than me often made me feel isolated, which led me to fall into depression affecting my emotional health. Despite my challenges, wrestling became my refuge and helped me overcome these obstacles. Wrestling plays a crucial role in maintaining my physical and emotional health. It keeps me in shape and provides a much-needed escape from the stresses of life. When I step onto the mat, nothing else matters for those 7 minutes; it’s just me and the sport I love.
