Claremore’s two five-year-olds are capturing hearts and inspiring their peers through their remarkable journeys in sports. Sophia “Fifi” Piersol and Elliana Wolf, both kindergarteners, embody the spirit of determination and passion as they pursue their dreams in wrestling and beyond.

Sophia, known as Fifi to her family and friends, has lived in Claremore for her entire life. At just five years old, she has already developed a profound love for wrestling. As a member of the Claremore Wrestling Club (CWC), Fifi trains alongside her older brother, Tucker, and is determined not only to excel in the sport but also to inspire other girls to join in and experience the joy of wrestling. “I want other girls to wrestle and love it like I do,” she expresses with enthusiasm.

When she’s not on the wrestling mat, Fifi enjoys a variety of activities that showcase her adventurous spirit. From riding her dirt bike to playing baseball, she welcomes every opportunity to have fun and stay active. Her family is a major source of inspiration, with her mom, dad, brother, and coaches motivating her to give her best every day. Recently, Fifi celebrated several significant achievements, including earning her first wrestling medal and helping her baseball team win first place in their tournament. She also considers starting kindergarten a major milestone. With a heart full of determination, Fifi hopes to make a positive impact in the world by advocating for those who can’t fight for themselves. Her advice to other kids is simple yet impactful: “Be strong. Be brave. Toughen up if you’re afraid. But always love what you do.”

Elliana Wolf shares a similar passion for wrestling and has been a Claremore resident since birth. Proud to be a Claremore Zebra, she fully embraces her school spirit. Inspired by her brother Joshua, who wrestles, Elliana was eager to try the sport herself, though she was too small to start at just three years old. Now, she is an active member of the Claremore Youth Wrestling Club, where she is honing her skills and building her confidence.

Elliana finds daily motivation from her coaches, Ian and Calib. Coach Ian is known for his loud cheers, while Coach Calib’s warm hugs and constant smiles create a supportive environment where she feels encouraged. For Elliana, success goes beyond winning; it’s about resilience. “Every time I fall or lose a match, getting back up makes me feel proud of myself,” she shares. Her encouraging message to young athletes is clear: “Just try! You might like it. I tried soccer, and that was not my sport, but wrestling is.”

Both Fifi and Elliana exemplify the spirit of determination, courage, and community in Claremore. Their journeys remind us of the importance of encouragement and bravery, especially for young athletes navigating their paths. They are not just wrestlers; they are shining examples of how passion and perseverance can make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

As they continue to grow and develop their skills, it’s clear that Fifi and Elliana are destined for great things in the world of sports and beyond. Their commitment to uplifting others and their love for wrestling serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for their peers and the entire community.