Q&A with Westwood wrestling coach, V. Sue Cleveland alum Samantha Tuttle
RIO RANCHO, N.M. — A Q&A with Samantha Tuttle who is the assistant women’s wrestling coach at Westwood High School in Mesa, Arizona.
How long have you been coaching?
Samantha Tuttle: 1 year of official coaching.
What is your background in this sport?聽
Tuttle: I have been a wrestler for almost 10 years.
What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to their success?
Tuttle: What my team does that are keys to success is being good teammates towards each other. Being good teammates and having a good environment is essential to a successful team as a whole. They are always cheering each other on at practice, tournaments and dual’s.
Name a person who inspired you to play/coach this sport.
Tuttle: Although I coach in Arizona I wrestled at V. Sue Cleveland high school for four years. My wrestling coach (Evan Copeland) is why I decided to coach. He really helped me through hard times and I look up to him a lot. I am so thankful I got to learn so much under him and want to share my knowledge and love for wrestling with as many young people as possible because of him.
Please describe the most memorable games/tournaments/championships your team has won.
Tuttle: As of right now the most memorable match I have coached was the first one where I sat in the corner. I was nervous but excited. I have never felt better. I knew I was exactly where I belonged.
How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?
Tuttle: I like to tell my team not to dwell on a loss and that losses don’t define them or their talent. I explain everyone can win or lose on any given day. That is the fun part about wrestling. You can beat anyone or lose to anyone, stay humble and learn. You can learn a lot from losing.
Describe your proudest coaching moment.
Tuttle: My proudest moment of coaching is after my girls have a tough loss or a tough win, they keep their composure shake their opponents hand smile, shake the opponents coaches hand then walk off the mat. Whether win or loss they do so with grace.
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?
Tuttle: That it is not easy. No matter where I am I know that there are influential eyes on me. I am a role model and need to always act as one. I carry myself with honor.
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
Tuttle: I hope that I leave many young girls with the same passion for wrestling that I have. I want them to love wrestling. I want them to be strong confident women. I hope I make an even bigger difference in the wrestling world than I already have,
Please share a quote with a message of advice or support for the team:
Tuttle: My girls are amazing and capable of so much. I want to get them to realize their abilities and reach their full potential.
Anything else you’d like to add:
Tuttle: For any young girl thinking about getting into wrestling do it! It is going to be hard but it is worth it. Wrestling changed my life.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.