When the previous girls wrestling coach abruptly resigned earlier this season, uncertainty went through the team. For the seniors, who have had a different coach every single year of high school, the change felt familiar but no less upsetting. Yet within days, a new leader stepped forward: Layne Becker, a young coach with wrestling experience and a commitment to rebuilding the program from the ground up.
Becker, who wrestled in both middle and high school and has coached football and track, didn’t originally expect to take the job.
“The girls needed somebody to step in as their head coach, and I decided to take the school up on the offer. I’m really glad I did,” Becker said.
For the athletes, the transition has been challenging but manageable. Karen Gonzalez (12) described the constant coaching turnover as “disorienting,” but said the team’s adaptability has helped them stay focused.
“If you’re a coachable athlete, it’ll be okay,” Gonzalez said. “Our girls are really coachable, so they’ve adapted to all the coaches really well.”
Becker’s age and relatability have also made an immediate impact. Several wrestlers noted that having a younger coach helps bridge the gap between athlete and authority figure.
“He understands us a lot more,” Gonzalez said. “He cares about the mental aspect of the sport, and he works with us through our injuries. He understands that aspect of us being girls, too.”
Stepping into the role mid-season hasn’t been easy, but Becker has embraced the challenge.
“It’s tough,” he admitted. “These girls, especially the seniors, have had a different coach every single year. I’m trying to provide consistency from here on out. I told them earlier in the season that I’m not going anywhere.”
That promise of stability is something the team hasn’t had in years. Becker hopes to build a long-term foundation, one that not only supports the current roster but attracts new athletes as well.
“I plan on building the program around the girls we have right now and bringing more girls into it,” he said.
His goals extend beyond this season. When asked about his long-term plans, Becker hopes to turn the program into the best in the city. But for now he continues to lead the team to achieve a successful season.
For now, the team is adjusting, rebuilding, and pushing forward under new leadership. As Becker put it, he’s all in.
“I’m really happy I took the job,” Becker said. “It’s been really fun. We have a great group of girls, and I try to push them to be as good as we can possibly be.”
