Rio Rancho freshman taking names, making her own on wrestling circuit

RIO RANCHO — For most freshman wrestlers, their first year with their high school program is about getting repetitions, gaining experience and waiting their turn to compete at the top.

For Rio Rancho High’s Sophia Hennigh, waiting time is over.

“High school wrestling has just been going really, really well,” Hennigh said. “I'm so excited for this whole season to continue.”

“Really well” may be an understatement, as Hennigh has already captured three podium finishes in the young season: second place at the Southwest Shootout, third at the Las Cruces Invite and another third at the Conflict at Cleveland.

Battling against the juniors and seniors of the world, Hennigh has already garnered some attention following a big weekend at Rio Rancho Events Center last week in the 110-pound division.

“Every match was a challenge,” Hennigh said. “I was so excited to wrestle in the tournament. Coming in as a lowerclassman, I was definitely pretty nervous for it, but I ended up holding the stakes high for the next day. It was a really tough tournament, considering the level that everybody is at. I was so grateful to be able to make it to the second day and to go to the semis.”

A top-three finish for a debut at one of the biggest tournaments in the region would leave most wrestlers satisfied.

Not Hennigh.

On her Instagram, you can find each post from each past tournament, sporting the caption "Not what I planned on" or "Not what I wanted this weekend," showing the determination of the young wrestler.

“My club coaches say, ‘Be happy with the result, or don't be happy with this result. Either way, never be satisfied.’ And that has always stuck with me since seventh grade,” Hennigh said. “I've just always gone by never being satisfied with the result. I am always getting ready to get back in the room and keep training to compete. All my coaches have helped me come back hungry and ready to get the next place on the podium. I think that's where that really came from.”

While the motivation is there, don’t get it twisted. Hennigh’s wrestling background is more than just pep talks and inspiring quotes.

Hennigh has been wrestling for the last six years, starting when she was 9 years old. Starting at Wolf Pack Wrestling before transitioning to Juggernauts Wrestling Club, she won a national championship for New Mexico Junior Wrestling on the club circuit.

But while her resume is legit, entering the high school space can still be daunting, but that is a challenge Hennigh looks at as a prime opportunity.

“I just always get super excited to get on the mat to go up against these juniors and seniors,” Hennigh said. “I've actually wrestled, I think, five seniors, and I ended up beating a couple, so being a freshman and being able to take them out, I think it's super cool. It's been a little bit of an adjustment at the start, definitely practicing with some of the upperclassmen, because they're way older than me, a little bit heavier, but it's been a journey this season, and it's been super fun.”

This season has been a journey, but it may be just the first chapter in a storied high school career for the Ram newcomer, as she has some plans on the agenda.

“My biggest goals right now are to win state for New Mexico and hopefully go to these national high school tournaments, get on the podium, and really just make a name for myself,” Hennigh said. “That's honestly my biggest goal, just to really show everyone what New Mexico really has and what I have as a wrestler. Like, I think I've come a long way, and I think that people are starting to notice.”