Driven by a dream: Rio Rico鈥檚 first female state champion wrestler
RIO RICO, Ariz. — Becoming a state champion wrestler has been the dream for Jessence Octavio-Callejo ever since she watched her brother win the title in 2022. She was in middle school then; now, she鈥檚 the 2026 Girls Division Two 235 lb. Arizona State Champion.
鈥淭his long-term goal of being a state champion consumed my life since I dreamed it. I practiced and trained day in and day out. This year I finally achieved my dream,鈥� said Octavio-Callejo.
Despite her dominant senior season (finishing with a 25-6 record and winning every match at the state tournament by pin), her journey to an individual state title has not always been smooth. Octavio-Callejo suffered a major knee injury her freshman season that led to major surgery that kept her out of competition her sophomore year..
She said 鈥淚t cost me my entire sophomore season. It felt like I was starting at 0 again, but I grew from it and trained harder while still taking care of my body.鈥�
Wrestling is famously one of the most physically demanding sports, but many don鈥檛 realize how mentally challenging it聽is. Octavio-Callejo admits that finding the right headspace was the final hurdle for achieving her dream.聽“My biggest challenge this year was my mentality. I knew I had trained enough, but still got stuck sometimes, hesitating about what I should do next,鈥� she said.
There are always a few low points on the journey to achieving a monumentally challenging goal, such as being a state champion, but Octavio-Callejo acknowledges that she has never been alone in this journey. It started with drawing inspiration from her older brother, Jesse Octavio-Callejo, the aforementioned state champion, but everyone in her family has played a role. On the mat, she practiced daily with her other older brother, Rio Rico Volunteer Wrestling Coach, Jalen Octavio-Callejo. Her younger sister, Jordyn Octavio-Callejo, has been a manager on the wrestling team since she entered high school two years ago, and now also practices with her. And both her parents (James and SeraFran Octavio-Callejo) and grandparents (Zachary and Maureen Octavio) have attended nearly every single competition of her high school career.
鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 have been able to accomplish anything without my family. My parents and grandparents will always be the loudest ones in the stands. My brothers have always been my biggest supporters, coaching and teaching me everything I know. I had the privilege of having my brothers in my corner for the state championships, and it was the best. Outside of my sport, I like to work out聽with my dad and sister. I almost always do everything with my little sister, Jordyn, and that鈥檚 why she鈥檚 the best manager and friend I could ask for,鈥� said Octavio-Callejo.
Octavio-Callejo has recently committed to continuing her education and wrestling career at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Her next goal: to become a National Champion.
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.