Student: Ce’Ariah “Cece” Sands
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Cece wants to attend Menlo University, wrestle collegiately, major in law enforcement, and serve in the Army National Guard.
GPS Focus: GROWTH
What Makes Cece #BulldogSTRONG: This weekend, hundreds of girls and boys wrestlers across the state of California have gathered at Mechanics Bank arena right here in Bakersfield, California for the CIF State Wrestling Tournament. Each wrestler has ambitions and aspirations of ascending to the top of the medal podium where they will be crowned state champion in their respective weight division. To qualify for the state tournament as a wrestler means that the student athlete has put in many hours of hard work in the wrestling room perfecting their technique while sweating, cutting weight, hydrating appropriately, and doing all the minutia to be in a position to be champion. At the heart of the state champion is a relentless work ethic and exemplary toughness that cannot be matched by any other wrestler. At Golden Valley High School, Ce’Ariah “Cece” Sands’ work ethic and toughness are legendary and could propel her to the top of the medal podium as state champion. At 131 pounds, Cece has been wrestling for four years and is in her first year as part of the Lady Bulldogs wrestling program. When Cece began wrestling, she was hesitant as thoughts of WWE flooded her mind, but when she finally decided to give a chance, she saw value in the sport that she has learned to love. “What I like most about wrestling is the discipline it teaches you,” comments Cece, “There are high standards within this sport and honestly, wrestling has made me who I am today - it’s grown to be my life.” With the discipline and work ethic she has gained as a wrestler, Cece has grown to be one of the top talents in the state of California. As a 9th grader, Cece had a 20-29 record and then as a junior last year she improved to 22-5 record where she also was a Southwest Yosemite League Champion and CIF Central Section Masters Champion. This year, Cece has elevated her wrestling to an elite level where she currently is 19-0, ranked #3 in the state, and has had some impressive placing: 1st in the South Yosemite Horizon League, 1st at CIF Central Section Area 2 Championships, and 1st in the CIF Central Section Masters Tournament.
Though she has experienced tremendous success on the mat thus far, her focus is to leave a legacy of hard work and inspiration towards her peers. “The legacy I wanna leave at this school is one rooted belief,” comments Cece, “As athletes we are always at battle with ourselves and we need to believe in ourselves and get what we want in life. We need to handle life as a professional and not an amateur.” Cece has been happy with her new home at GVHS because she has seen how students have the opportunity to simply be themselves, express their true character, and overall, it feels like home. “Transferring schools can be scary,” humbly admits Cece, “However, GVHS was very welcoming from day one. Students and staff are great and have accepted me into their Bulldog family.” For the relentless effort that she puts on mat and for the grit and determination she has in being a successful Lady Bulldogs Wrestler, Cece Sands is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Cece: “To me #BulldogSTRONG means being able to find your character around great people, having pride, taking risks in life, and taking advantage of opportunities that come along.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Cece:
“Cece has been a great example of what it means to be BulldogStrong since she has been here at GV. From Day 1, she has fit in with the team with her good work ethic and cheerful charisma. We are very blessed to have her join our Bulldog Family.” Juan Gamino, Head Girls Wrestling Coach, Golden Valley High School
“She wrestle good. Good kid.” Bryn Bruno, Assistant Girls Wrestling Coach and Head Baseball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Ce’Ariah recently joined my Strongbody class and on the first day she showed up in her school clothes and I explained how our class worked; I told her to just sit and watch how the students worked out, and she could start the next day. A few minutes later I looked over and she was deadlifting 250 lbs. That describes Ce’Ariah perfectly; she isn’t going to sit around and wait for anything; she is going to roll up her sleeves and get to work. After one day of being in my class, I could tell Ce’Ariah was an outstanding student/athlete.” Bill Richardson, PE Department Chair and Head Volleyball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Cece was a great addition to our girls wrestling team this year. She was able to fit right in and become one of the major reasons why our Lady Bulldogs Wrestling team won the CIF Central Section Masters Championship. With her exemplary work ethic, I can only see big things for her in the future.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School