Emma Bauknight is your Wrestler of the Week for Week 9

Hernando’s Emma Bauknight was named the Kabra Wrestling Reader’s Choice Wrestler of the Week for Week 9. (Photo courtesy of Bauknight Family)

BY BRANT PARSONS — For Hernando junior Emma Bauknight, the road to the top has been a well-earned ride.

After winning the Lady Rams Invitational for her third tournament win of the season, Bauknight was voted Kabra Wrestling’s Reader’s Choice Wrestler of the Week for Week 9.

The win solidified her spot as one of the top wrestlers at 115 pounds and state contender in March.

“I feel like I’ve come a really long way,” Bauknight said. “I've only been wrestling since freshman year and I would say the work I’m putting in is paying off. I’ve had my rough spots, like anybody ever, and I’ve been able to push through them and keep working hard as ever.”

Before starting wrestling, Bauknight was a tournament jiu jitsu fighter with Upper Academy.

She placed fifth in the first state tournament as a freshman after winning a district title that year. Last year she placed again in the state and spent the offseason working on her craft, competing all over from Spokane to Virginia Beach and lots of places in between.

This season, Bauknight and her Hernando teammates have embarked on a difficult schedule that has tested them all year long.

"This has been a really memorable season,” Bauknight said. “I have the best, most supportive team ever and coaches that push me to be my greatest every day. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

The other nominations for the honor were Callie Alfieri (Gulf), Cheyenne Cruce (Middleburg), Abby Dicenzo (Bell Creek), Sofia Ferran (Mater Lakes), Jikayla Hutto (Jones), Emily Jaspe (Mater Academy).