Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wrestler Ariana Blanc Named All-American

by Matt Rothman April 4, 2025

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Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wrestler Arianna Blanc Named All-American

Ariana Blanc. {MSD Wrestling}

Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ star wrestler Ariana Blanc was named an All-American after competing in the NHSCA National Championships in Virginia Beach.

Blanc was one of eight wrestlers to get the recognition after finishing in eighth place following her tremendous varsity season with the Eagles. After sustaining a tough loss and shoulder injury in the quarterfinals, she won in triple overtime in her next match to qualify.

Blanc says she went to Nationals for the experience but didn’t have many expectations. She felt it was important to accept failure to get better and credits her coach, Kenneth Gendason, for all his hard work in helping her get to this point.

“My coach kept watching videos of my opponent for each match and prepared me one match at a time with a plan and made me believe I could win every time I wrestled,” Blanc said. “It didn’t hit me when I became an All-American, but when I won, just seeing the reactions from my coach, my teammate Addi, and my dad, I knew I accomplished something special.”

Blanc had a tremendous season on varsity, winning a District Championship, placing third at Regionals, and finishing fourth at the State Championship. She ended the year with a record of 28-4. She has already recieved interest from coaches to wrestle at the collegiate level.

Her wrestling career, though, did not start til she was in tenth grade. Coach Gendason credits Blanc for her heart and for fighting through obstacles

“Last weekend was a true testament to Ariana believing in her coaches,” Gendason said. “Every year, Coach Sanchez and I give stories of wrestlers who were injured and found ways to win in the biggest matches. Until it happens to us, they will never truly understand.”

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Matt Rothman

Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student. He also works for the Mohave Valley Daily News in Bullhead City, Arizona covering high school sports.