Thayer’s West Finds Her Niche as Wrestler

Zinaya West ’28 knows what it's like to step out of one’s comfort zone. 

In the winter of 2023, the then eighth grader decided to join Thayer’s coed wrestling team. She had no prior experience with the sport. What’s more, since there was no Middle School program at that time, West had to practice and compete with Upper School students whom she didn’t yet know. 

It felt a little weird, the sophomore admits now, but the leap of faith paid off — to the tune of three varsity letters and counting, teammates she considers friends, and a sport she has embraced wholeheartedly. 

“I just want to wrestle,” the soft-spoken but direct West says when asked about her status as the team’s only female student-athlete. (Editor’s Note: the Middle School program currently has two girls on its team.) Still, while she says it’s not a pressing issue for her, she adds that her mother occasionally hears the odd comment or two in the stands. 

“The coaches and my teammates made everything so much more comfortable and welcoming,” says West, who wrestles in the 126-pound weight class, of her eighth grade experience. She then starts naming names. 

“I don’t think I would have wrestled after my eighth grade season if it hadn’t been for my captains,” she says, referring to the troika of Drew St. Pierre ’26, Quinn Ognibene ’26, and Ryan Lally ’26. “They got me comfortable being on the team and got everyone else comfortable with me being on the team. They’re always on the sidelines cheering for me.” Perhaps fearing a miscommunication, West adds that, as good captains, they cheer for everyone. 

Starting from scratch, West has learned a great deal about wrestling and is eager to learn more. 

“I feel much more confident in my skills right now,” says the Canton resident, who recalls last year’s all-girls wrestling tournament at St. Paul’s School where she earned multiple match victories. “I do still get nervous sometimes, though.” 

West – who also plays soccer and softball, plays the guitar, and works the soundboard for Thayer theater productions including the recent Upper School musical Hadestown: Teen Edition — believes that wrestling has taught her important life lessons. 

“Wrestling really taught me how important community is,” she says. “You need those people who are always in your corner, who have your back no matter what.” 

In his first year with the program, head coach Deshawn Fentress says he’s impressed with what West contributes to the team day in and day out. 

“Zinaya brings toughness, resilience, and a competitive edge to Thayer Academy wrestling, consistently showing grit in both practice and competition,” Fentress says. “She sets a strong example for her teammates through her work ethic, determination, and commitment to representing the program with pride.” 

Interim World Languages Department Head Marc Rando P ’18, ’20, who also serves as the team’s assistant coach, remembers meeting West in 2023. 

“Her interest and aptitude were immediately apparent,” he recalls. “She immediately showed keen interest in learning moves and improving herself.” 

And Rando advises that people should not be fooled by West’s outwardly easygoing personality. 

“A quiet and calm exterior definitely belies a fierce competitor within,” the longtime wrestling coach says. “She’s paying her dues now and will continue to improve and contribute to the program in meaningful ways in the next few years.” 

West says she’s excited about the current season — the varsity team began the year with two victories — and how Fentress is challenging his wrestlers to be better every day. And, while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, she encourages her fellow classmates to give wrestling a chance. 

“Try new experiences,” says West. “You might really like it.”