We’re excited to highlight Elizabeth “Libby” Norton as KRKO’s Russell & Hill Female High School Student Athlete of the Month for January. A four-year state participant at the Mat Classic, Norton concluded her senior season with an outstanding 41-5 record. In this interview, Norton shared her wrestling journey, overcoming a near season-ending injury and how grit, perseverance and self-belief carried her all the way to becoming a state champion. Photos courtesy of KRKO Radio.
SCSC: How did you get into wrestling and what hooked you on the sport?
Norton: My dad has been the wrestling coach for 20 years, so I’ve kind of always been around the sport. But honestly, I never really considered it for myself when I was younger—mostly because girls wrestling wasn’t really a thing back then. I didn’t actually start wrestling until I was a freshman in high school. At first, I was super hesitant to try it. I thought it was going to be really embarrassing and that I’d be terrible at it, which is kind of funny to think about now. But the moment it clicked for me was when I made it to regionals that first year. That’s when I thought, “OK, maybe I’m not the worst wrestler in the world. Maybe I can actually do this.” That was the moment that really hooked me.
SCSC: How big a role has your family played in your development and success?
Norton: My family has played a really big role. For a while, I was going to a wrestling practice that was about an hour away, and my dad would drive me there three times a week so I could get better training. That kind of support made a huge difference in my development. It also brought us closer together. I think it really strengthened our relationship as father and daughter. Now that I’m getting ready to leave, I know he’s a little sad but also really proud and excited for me.
SCSC: What is the most important quality that fuels your success?
Norton: I think the biggest quality that fuels my success is grit — my perseverance. Honestly, I’ll say all the time that I hate wrestling, but at the same time, I love it. That perseverance is what really sets me apart from some of the other girls who wrestle. I’m also big on confidence when I’m out on the mat. I try to bring as much confidence as I can, even though it doesn’t always work perfectly. When I’m standing there waiting for the whistle, I’m focused on my game plan — like grabbing their leg and going for it. And if that doesn’t work, I just keep trying. Basically, I just roll through the game plan I’ve worked on with my coaches. I also watch how some of my competitors wrestle before me and try to learn from that. Confidence and perseverance really keep me going.
SCSC: What has been your favorite memory over these last four years?
Norton: I think winning state was really cool. But honestly, my favorite memory was during the Walk of Champions. I was walking down the middle of the Tacoma Dome, which is such a huge place, and it’s hard to even hear voices from that far away. But then, I looked over and heard my whole family cheering my name as loud as they could. Even though I was halfway across the stadium, I could still hear them. It was such an overwhelming feeling of love and support from my family and my team. Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything better than that.
SCSC: What was the toughest obstacle you have faced this season and how did you overcome it?
Norton: This season was supposed to be the end of my wrestling career after I tore my UCL about a month before state, but despite the injury and the doctor’s advice, I was determined to compete. I worked hard on physical therapy and used visualization to build confidence. I told myself that I have to win state. I ended up wrestling with a large brace on my elbow. Though it limited my moves, I adapted my strategy and ended up winning my 100th match and then a state title. After the season, doctors found tissue starting to grow back in my UCL which was kind of a miracle, so I feel really blessed and excited to continue wrestling.
SCSC: How have you balanced being a student and an athlete throughout high school?
Norton: I always keep my hopes high going from one semester to the next. If I had to give advice, I’d say to focus a bit less on sports, especially wrestling. Finding that balance is tough, but it’s important to keep your priorities straight.
SCSC: Do you have any pregame rituals?
Norton: Yeah, I like to pray before I wrestle. And, after weigh-ins, I usually drink Blue Gatorade—it’s my favorite. I also eat yogurt to help get my body right before a match. Right before I wrestle, I put on my headphones and listen to music, usually “Sydney Sweeney” by Ken Carson. And I always make sure to check my shoes are packed and ready to go the night before any event. I never want to forget them!
SCSC: Do you have any hobbies outside of wrestling?
Norton: I love pottery. I’ve been throwing ceramics on the wheel for about a year and a half now. My ceramics teacher, not to brag, but he says I’m one of the best he’s seen in 20 years. I really enjoy spending most of my time making pottery. I’m a big fan of it and love what I do there.
SCSC: What’s next for you?
Norton: I’m planning to compete at the collegiate level at Indian Hills Community College. There is a campus in Ottumwa and in Centerville. I will be in Centerville. I recently visited, and there’s a cool bakery I want to check out next time I am there. It’s a bit of a culture shock since I’ve lived in Washington my whole life and never been far from Seattle. Being in the middle of the country will be different, with long drives to most places. But I think I’ll be OK. I’ll be wrestling most of the time, so I probably won’t have a lot of free time.