Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Dana Holt, Highland Park wrestling

Dana Holt is a senior wrestler at 155 pounds for the Giants. She is 18-2 on the season and recently nabbed a first-place finish at Rickover and Niles West invites.

1. Do you have any prematch rituals or superstitions? 

Sometimes I wear mismatched socks just for fun, and then I always like to be really warmed up before my matches. I can never go in without sweating. And I also like to listen to music.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

I plan on going to college and want to major in psychology. I’ve always been interested in it, and I took a class sophomore year. I want to be clinical child psychologist one day. Helping people in that way has always interested me. 

3. When did you get into wrestling?

I started last year and one of friends said, ‘Hey Dana, you’re super strong, you should try it out,’ and I ended up loving it.

4. What is it you love about wrestling?

I love how hard it is. I really love pushing myself mentally and physically. I also love the community. I have met some of my best friends through the sport. 

5. If you could try another sport, what would it be?

I’ve done a ton of different sports throughout my life — swimming, track, cross-country, gymnastics. I always wanted to try rugby. I feel like I would be very good at it. It’s a very physical sport. Maybe in college I will try that.

6. What do you think makes you a successful wrestler?

Definitely my strength. I’ve always had a stronger, athletic build. In my weight class I’m just stronger than a lot of people and that definitely helps. And over the past year, I’ve gotten more technique.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the mat?

I’m really into photography. I do a lot of sport photography — football, cross-country, swimming, every sport. I don’t have as much time in-season but it’s something I’m passionate about.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Probably like a protein shake — a Fairlife or something. Or a protein bar. I like the Barebell ones; those are delicious.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?  

I’d probably say photography. Most people who know me through wrestling don’t know that. I started doing it for fun when I was on the track team and I’ve done it kinda for school. I send (photos) to the school and they’ve used them in the yearbook.

10. What do you hope to accomplish the rest of the season?

I think me and a few other wrestlers have a good shot at getting to state and placing in top six. For me, it’s hard to tell. Last year, I couldn’t finish the season because of a concussion. With the amount of work I have put in, I feel confident I can get down state, and placing at state that would be a dream. 

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