Velma Bailey has become the first female wrestler from Delta High School to win a state championship. Her journey to the top of the podium has been one marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering drive to succeed.
Bailey, who trains with the North Fork team, started wrestling when she was four. “I started when I was really young, about four years old, and my dad pushed me to be the best,” said Bailey. “Then when I started beating a lot more people, I wanted to be the best.” Her passion for the sport only grew from there, and as she honed her skills, the goal of becoming a state champion began to feel more and more attainable.
Just before the final match, Bailey revealed how she maintained her focus and composure. “Before the match, I knew I was going to win. I was pretty confident. I tried to think of other things rather than thinking about the match, because it makes me more nervous thinking about it, so I just try to keep my mind on other things,” said Bailey.
Bailey’s pre-match routine is one of quiet preparation and focus. “I don’t really go around much. I go off to a corner by myself and listen to a certain couple of songs,” Bailey said. “Then, as I’m listening to the songs, I stretch. When I’m on deck, I start taking off my shorts, I take off my headphones, I put on my headgear, and then I just watch the match before me. Right before the match, I take off all my stuff and go onto the mat.”
When she finally won the title, the feelings were indescribable. “After I won, it was really an indescribable feeling,” Bailey shared. “I can’t really explain it. It was just an overexcitement of joy.”
Despite her confidence, Bailey experienced doubt during the competition, especially before the quarterfinals. “That was the only time I doubted myself, just because every other year, that is where I lost out,” she admitted. “But I just had to push away those feelings and tell myself that this year was different.”
Looking ahead, Velma Bailey is still undecided about her future plans, particularly when it comes to college and wrestling. “That’s still undecided,” she said. “I’m talking to a couple of colleges about going to wrestle, but I haven’t decided yet.”
