Jazzy Green: Making Her Mark

Sonia Sohaili
Mirror contributng writer
  
   When I entered the Samohi wrestling room for the first time, my expectations were immediately confirmed. Indeed, the members of the team didn’t differ too much from what most people would consider the “average wrestling type.” They were loud, frantic, playful and silly. So I never would have guessed that among these wrestlers was an aspiring fashion designer, “shopaholic,” and Bob Marley obsessive — until I met ninth grader Jazzy Green.
   Currently first in the boys’ freshman league, second in regionals, and third in girls’ tournaments, Green is one of three female wrestlers at Samohi. Still in her first year of wrestling, Green has the poise and skill of an experienced wrestler, and is also well-rounded and stable individual, who cherishes her close relationships with her family and friends.
   From the start, Green was athletic. Initially a gymnast, she developed essential skills that she finds very useful in wrestling. Then, switching gears, she took up Brazilian Jujitsu, also known as “ground fighting.” But, in case you were wondering, Brazilian Jujitsu is not offered at Samohi, so when she started high school, one of her friends suggested wrestling, as it’s similar to Jujitsu.
   With no tryouts, Green immediately began what would turn out to be a record-setting season.
   Though the first day was daunting, Green confirms that she has made a whole new group of friends in wrestling. On Valentine’s day, for instance, all the boys on the team sent Green personalized Valentine grams in the middle of her class. “[The delivery person] just kept calling my name over and over and by the time I left I had a whole pile of valentines in my hands,” she said.
   The boys also support Green during her matches. When she was competing in the regional semi-finals the varsity boys ripped off their shirts and painted JAZZY on their chests to cheer her on.
   She loves the support she gets from the team. “The guys are always fun like that and there is always something to laugh at. They’re all great,” adding that their support gives her a lot of confidence: “I’ve never felt part of a team like this before.”
   Even so, Green notes that she is quiet with her wrestling peers. “I am really loud with my other friends but for some reason I am quiet in wrestling.”
   In contrast, Green is anything but shy when it comes to wrestling. She has a fierceness she developed form Jujitsu, a “submission sport,” which I was surprised to learn means a sport in which one is allowed to break his or her opponent’s body parts. That, combined with the balance and grace Green leatned in gymnastics, serves to make Green one of the top female wrestlers in Samohi history.
   Nevertheless, she remains humble, dismissing her outstanding achievements this season with a modest shrug. “It feels like you can achieve a lot if you want to.”
   Green’s family is very supportive of her goals. Her parents are slowly learning the sport and come to cheer her on at her tournaments. “Even though they are a little concerned about safety, they love it,” she said.
   Head Coach Mark Black has also motivated and supported her. Of him, Green said, “He is a funny guy who likes to eat steak a lot.”
   After spending a large portion of her day around boys, Green spends much of her free time being a typical teenage girl. She enjoys shopping for clothes, vintage in particular, as well as eating burritos and pasta. A true to life Forrest Gump fan, she also enjoys movies.
   When she grows up, Green plans to wrestle professionally if possible. As an alternative, she would also like to study business and fashion.
   Above all else, however, Green identifies herself as a Bob Marley fan. “I feel like I connect with him so much,” she said. The legendary singer’s smooth exotic style inspired Green to paint her whole room with “Jamaican colors.”
   Green also says with pride, “I am a family person.” Describing her family, she said that her mother is a famous milliner, her sister is very religious, her brother teaches outdoor classes, her father is supportive and loving, and her grandparents are “I Love Lucy” characters.”
   Overall, Green is a down-to-earth, modest, and talented person who can kick it with the guys, keep up with her schoolwork, and find time to spend with her family. She sees herself as an average teenager with a hobby she loves. “I am just me,” she said.