Among the dozens of student-athletes on Bettendorf High School's varsity wrestling team is Ella Schmit. She's the first girl to make the team as a full-time member.
Ella got into wrestling at a young age, tagging along to her brothers' wrestling practices. She decided then to grab a pair of wrestling shoes, get on the mat, and practice.
She started her high school wrestling career on the JV level.
"It's my third year now and I finally got it," she said.
Her coach says she's polite and doesn't ask for any special treatment.
"She does everything the boys do."
Ella says it's her hard work and mental toughness that's earned her that spot on the team. She says managing stress is key.
"It doesn't help to stress out over it... you're not doing anything for yourself," she explained. "You just have to relax, be smart and do what you know best."
Now Ella is sharing her knowledge with up and coming female wrestlers, helping to grow the sport that was once thought to be just for the boys.
