Malina Bourbon off the wrestling mat is a polite, responsible, and respectful young lady. But once she hits the mat, Bourbon becomes a fierce competitor whose legacy at Pioneer Valley High School (PVHS) speaks for itself.
In her senior year and fourth season as a varsity-level wrestler, Bourbon is currently sporting a 26-7 record and is in her second year as team captain.
“Malina is our silent-but-deadly captain, letting her actions in the room and on the mat dictate to those around her how they should act and perform,” said PVHS wrestling team head coach Kevin Ilac. “She has placed in all six of her tournaments this year, including her recent championship at San Dimas High School.”
Bourbon is humble yet happy that she accomplished her goal of making it to the Master’s Tournament not once, but twice. Bourbon follows in the footsteps of her sister and former PVHS wrestler, Mikayla Bourbon.
“My sister has been the biggest help to me,” Bourbon said. “She was a senior when I was a freshmen. Even now, she calls me to offer support, advice, and make sure I’m doing what I need to.”
Bourbon remembers watching her sister wrestle and knew she wanted to pursue the same path. In addition to her sister’s positive influence, Bourbon feels that she is leaving behind her own legacy at PVHS.
“I like the individual component of the sport and that you have to rely on yourself,” Bourbon said.
While Bourbon admits that wrestling is a time-consuming sport, she has learned a lot about herself from it.
“Wrestling has taught me how to be humble, dedicated, and responsible,” she said.
While numerous colleges hope to recruit Bourbon, she is most seriously considering attending Warner Pacific University in Portland, Ore., to pursue wrestling.
“I like that the school is in a big city and I will be going with one of my best friends to wrestle together, which will make the transition easier,” Bourbon said.
Looking back on her four years, Bourbon is grateful for all the friends she has made through wrestling and the community she is a part of.
“My advice to the PVHS wrestlers I am leaving behind is to stick with wrestling and push through,” Bourbon said. “It will be worth it in the end.”
This article appears in Jan 19-26, 2017.