Proud to be from Pittsburgh: Young girl wrestler already a champion in her sport

PITTSBURGH — In a state where wrestling is king; one young competitor has already won two state championships and countless awards, and has received an invitation to nationals.

Confidence, determination, and a strong support system are the recipe for success for the star athlete, 8-year-old, Da’Ziyah Snowden.

Well, that and a whole lot of girl power.

Snowden has wrestled for four years – half her life.

In 2021, she won the Keystone State Championship and this year she again earned first place at the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Championship.

“Anytime I get an award, it’s like a reward for me to keep pushing your dreams and chasing your dreams,” said Snowden.

As a third-grader, Snowden knows accountability, she trains daily at the Homewood YMCA and has her eyes set on college.

“You need your education to get stuff,” said Snowden.

While her coach Justin Perkins said if college is what Snowden wants, she will achieve it.

“Girl’s wrestling is very big right now because there are a lot of Division I and, DivisionII schools picking up wrestling programs for girls,” Perkins.

Perkins told Channel 11 that in a program with 72 kids, Da’Ziyah shines.

“She’s very special, she helps the group. When she’s not at practice, you know. I’ll look around for her because she helps the other girls and boys,” said Perkins.

As for Snowden, she said she wants her friends and more girls to get involved in the sport she loves so much.

“Don’t be scared to try another sport, just try it, and if you like it, you’ll continue,” said Snowden.

Snowden also shared her advice for anyone who wants to try something new, “Chase your dreams and never give up,” Snowden said.

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