Parents/Guardians: William Umi III and Esther Torres-Umi

High School: Lettered in wrestling four years at Molokai High School…four-time district champion…four-time state placer (6^th, 5^th, 3^rd, 2^nd)

Why did you choose to come to Wayland? I’ve been wrestling for as long as I can remember and my goal as a little girl was to take first place at the state tournament. Losing my final match for first place and not being able to complete my goal killed me. I’m ready to redeem myself. Wayland fit my spiritual, athletic and education needs.  

How did you get started wrestling and how old were you? I was five years old when a wrestling club first opened up. I was too young at the time, but I would always go to all the practices to watch my older siblings. From then on I knew that I was going to wrestle! So at age six, I begged my dad to allow me to do it and I stuck with it all the way until now.  

What has been your proudest athletic achievement to date? My proudest athletic achievement would be being awarded female athlete of the year because it wasn’t only an award for female wrestlers, but for all athletes in my high school.   

What do you feel like you bring your team, both athletically and personally? I always valued wrestling as not only an individual sport but a team sport. I am a great motivator and will always stay positive even if the other person isn’t feeling confident in themselves. I believe encouragement is a key factor in someone’s performance.   

What are your goals for the future after college? After college I plan on returning to Hawaii and taking over the girl’s wrestling team. I want to give back to my community for make me the person I am today. I will also be the first native Hawaiian midwife in all of Molokai to deliver babies.