Jaslin Feliz always had an inkling to wrestle, but she had some self-doubts.

“I had always wanted to try it in middle school, but a lot of people told me I wouldn’t be good enough or that I wouldn’t like it,” recalled Feliz. “Going into my freshman year, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, so I reached out to coach Cunningham about my interest in wrestling.”

Feliz quickly followed Cunningham’s advice and found a comfort zone.

“He (Cunningham) told me I could start training with the boys the very next day” added Feliz. “I decided to wrestle because I knew it would help my mental health and also make me stronger both physically and mentally.”

Now, three years later, Feliz is among the team leaders on Whitehall’s first year of their girls’ wrestling program. The junior recently advanced to the quarterfinals in her 142-pound weight class at the East Penn Conference tournament.

Feliz is anxious for this year’s postseason after she tore her UCL last season before the district meet. However, the injury didn’t slow her and provided a better sense of perseverance.

“The hardest part was competing at districts while injured and knowing my body wasn’t responding the way I wanted it to at my full potential,” said Feliz. “It was frustrating, but it taught me a lot about mental toughness and perseverance.”

Head coach Bill Leibensperg, who has coached the Whitehall boys’ youth team the last four years and also has worked with the middle school and varsity, has taken the reins of the girls’ program.

Feliz, sophomore Ava Peluszak, and freshman Kennedy Huddle have been the initial core of the team.

“Those three girls have the most experience on the team,” said Leibensperg. “All three girls have wrestled for two to three years. We have some really talented wrestlers on the team that are new to wrestling, but have potential.”

Leibensperg also is high on eighth-grader Vivian DeLucia.

“I can see her being very good in the years to come,” added Leibensperg. “She finished first at the JV Palmerton tournament this year, pinning all of her opponents.”

Other high school girls on the team are juniors Fikirselam Alemayehu, Alyse Collier, Karla Hernandez, Lilly Peluszak, Maryangie Roche Denis, and sophomore Ava Peluszak.

In addition, Leibensperg is looking to eighth graders Madissyn Bordner, Lorena Coraccari, Emma Garriga, Rachel Gomez, Divinity Rivera, Lilyana Nicolosi, and seventh-grader Mere Chtih.

Despite some roadblocks this season, Leibensperg has an optimistic outlook.

“This year has been a challenge with only having eight girls on the high school varsity team,” noted Leibensperg. “The girls are working hard every day to get better. Our future is bright and will be built on this in the offseason.”

Like her coach, Feliz also sees plenty of positives ahead being with the constant support of her coaches.

“The biggest influence on my wrestling career has definitely been my coaches,” said Feliz. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance, support, and belief in me.

“At this point in the season, I’m feeling very comfortable and confident. I’m excited to keep working hard, improving, and continuing to grow as a wrestler.”