Soriah Corona made history by becoming the first female student-athlete from Central Valley High School to earn a college wrestling scholarship.

Corona signed her national letter of intent this past month to compete for John Carroll University. 

She celebrated the milestone with family, friends, coaches and teammates inside Central Valley’s gymnasium on May 24.

“It’s nice to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve put in,” Corona said. “I’ll definitely remember this for the rest of my life.”

“It’s very exciting to be the first of something,” she added. “I hope it inspires other girls from our program to continue wrestling.”

“She’s opened the doors for her teammates to have the same opportunities in the future,” Hawks’ head coach Brandy Cordova said. 

Corona will join John Carroll University’s newly-formed wrestling program this fall when she moves to Ohio.

She’ll major in sociology.

Corona wants to become a criminal psychologist.

“I had six or seven colleges that were interested in me,” she said. “John Carroll stuck out. It’s a small private school. It’s their first year of having female wrestlers.”

“Her dedication to her craft and drive to become a better wrestler is what drew (John Carroll head coach) Mark (Hawald) to her when they were talking,” Cordova said.

Corona visited John Carroll University, March 24-26.

“I felt like I belonged there,” she said. “I didn’t feel out of place.”

Corona plans to wrestle at either 101 or 109 pounds.

“I’m definitely excited to continue doing something I love, and move and become more independent,” she said.

Corona graduated from Central Valley High School last Thursday.

She had a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0.

Corona earned a total of 10 varsity letters with the Hawks, including three in both wrestling and volleyball and four in softball.

“It’s a challenge to manage everything. But being a student came first.”

Corona became a fan of wrestling the moment she stepped on the mat for the first time as a sophomore.

She was recruited by Cordova.

“When I joined the team, I did it for fun,” Corona said. “After the first day, I felt that’s where I wanted to be. I enjoy the adrenaline rush it gives you. You get to control your own outcome. You determine everything.”

Corona got better every year.

“For the most part, I’m happy,” Corona said while assessing her prep wrestling career. “I improved so much in a short amount of time. I definitely became more technical and confident. I wrestle with so much emotion. It’s a big part of who I am as a wrestler.”

“She improved tremendously,” Cordova said. “Her drive increased each season. She didn’t give up.”

Corona also helped Central Valley continue its tradition of excellence.

The Hawks won the Central California Conference’s overall championship for the second year in a row.

Central Valley finished third as a team while hosting the Sa-Joaquin Section South Regional Tournament for the first time.

Corona took fourth and 10th, respectively, in the 103-pound weight brackets of the CCC and South Regional events.

She was sixth at the Super Girls Showdown.

“Our coaches always gave us their time to make us better,” she said. 

Corona was a utility player on Central Valley’s softball team, which enjoyed its most successful season to date this spring.

The Hawks compiled a program-best 19-4 overall record.

Central Valley claimed its first-ever league title. The Hawks won the CCC championship outright with a near-perfect 11-1 record.

Central Valley also participated in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the first time.

“It’s something I’m very proud to be a part of,” said Corona, who totaled 11 runs and eight stolen bases in 15 games for the Hawks.

Corona reached her goal of earning a college wrestling scholarship due to her talent and never-quit attitude.

“I set the goal the middle of this season,” Corona said. “I didn’t want to give up on the sport yet. I still have room to grow.” she said.