GENTRY, AR -- The Gentry Pioneers have grown from just one wrestler last year to a robust team of 15 this year — a remarkable turnaround and an indication of a team determined to make history. The program marks a major milestone for wrestling coaches Salvador Castro and Robert Watson, who are leading a group of trailblazing young women carving out space for themselves, their school, and the future of the sport.
“It’s fun to see that the girls are having fun, growing together as a team, and looking forward to doing good things this season,” Castro said.
Coach Watson, who transitioned from coaching track to joining the wrestling program this year, said he was eager to be part of the sport’s growth in Gentry. With prior experience coaching youth wrestling, he saw the program’s expansion as an opportunity to support something groundbreaking.
“I wanted to be where the district wanted me to be, but there’s a big significance to us recruiting new student athletes and having a girls’ team, and I wanted to be a part of that too,” Watson said. “It’s exciting to see what’s happening here in Gentry and what that will mean for high school wrestling throughout Northwest Arkansas.”
The team builds upon momentum that began last year with Gentry’s sole female wrestler, Hailey Bond-Strickland, who returns as a senior and team leader. Watson credited her with helping recruit and inspire more girls to join the sport.
Still, the coaches acknowledge the challenges of scheduling matches due to the limited number of girls’ wrestling teams in the region. Before each meet, Castro and Watson collaborate with opposing coaches to create competitive matchups within appropriate weight classes.
“The goal was to add and build our wrestling program in Gentry, and we’re proud that we’ve done that,” Castro said. “But we also want to make wrestling big in Northwest Arkansas, and to have that you need buy-in from a lot of people. We’re thankful we’ve received that support here in Gentry.”
Bond-Strickland is joined this season by seniors Yelia Bravo Rondon and Gisselle Zamora, and juniors Sibal Centers, Ismarlin Giron, Jasmine Shepard, and Makheila Flores.
The Lady Pioneers are scheduled to compete in Bentonville on Dec. 13, Huntsville on Dec. 16, and Gravette on Dec. 18. Fans will have a chance to cheer them on at home on Jan. 8 against Green Forest and at a dual home meet Jan. 13 with Huntsville and Gravette.
Girls’ Regionals will take place Jan. 31 at Searcy High School, followed by the State Tournament Feb. 13–14 at the University of Arkansas–Little Rock.
With growing numbers and rising enthusiasm, Gentry’s first girls’ wrestling team is already making its mark — and shaping the future of wrestling in Northwest Arkansas.