By Blake Chadwick
Wichita Southeast senior wrestler Karen Gonzales is a senior who wrestles at the 130 weight class and has made her mark wrestling; transforming herself into a finalist, a multi-time champion, and one of the most respected leaders in the GWAL.
Wrestling for just four years, after five years of jiu-jitsu, Gonzales has built a reputation for being one of the hardest workers in any room she walks into.
“My mindset in practice is to push myself the hardest and go harder when I feel like giving up,” Gonzales said. “If I wasn’t sore by the time I got home, then I didn’t work hard enough.”
Because of her mindset that approach helped her produce a standout junior season, finishing as state runner-up, regional runner-up, and a two-time GWAL runner-up, while adding titles like a two time Buffalo Bob Champion, Heights Invitational Champion. All while posting an 80–20 career record.
“Last year we had the biggest girls’ state team in our school’s history,” Gonzales said. “This year we want even more to get there, it’s all about consistency and pushing yourself to the max.”
Leadership has come naturally for her within a program built on family and accountability.
“We’re like one big family,” Gonzales said. “I want my teammates to grow and get better.”
With her leadership comes a lot of trust from the team, but directly from head coach William Buckley.
“Karen is an incredibly passionate and talented athlete,” Buckley said. “Her relentless determination is seen through her mental toughness, self-discipline, and work ethic on and off the mat. She works harder than anyone else in the room and excels in drills and anything related to the sport. Karen has a competitive spirit that thrives in the intensity of wrestling.”
