Timber Creek High School Student Breaking Stereotypes

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KELLER (CBSDFW.COM) - Timber Creek High School sophomore Rachel Bridges is the perfect combination of a young lady who has finesse and isn't afraid to play the physical sports dominated by men.

"I like butterflies, I like glitter, I like rainbows," Bridges said with a wry grin. "I don't think so."

Bridges qualified for the state tournament in wrestling during her freshman year and, after a disappointing run, turned around 2015 and finished second in the nation in the freestyle division. "I think I'm like, way better this year," Bridges said. "Hopefully I can keep getting better and better and better."

"That girl hates to lose," added wrestling coach Craig Wasche.

Now that wrestling season is over, Bridges can concentrate on her other passion -- playing football. She's an offensive lineman for the JV football team, and practices four days a week. "It is funny listening to the other teams after they get off the field and they finally discover that she's a girl and she's been kicking their rear end," said football coach Kevin Golden.

"I play football, I wrestle, I powerlift and I throw shot put and discus," Bridges said.

"Rachel is an amazing kid," said Wasche. "She's pretty much the epitome of what a multi-sport athlete should be."

"It's really surprising to see how tough she is," said Golden. "In the weight room, for example, she just jumps in there and gets after it."

Also quite accomplished in the classroom, Bridges has dreams of following in the footsteps of her aunt, who works as a surgeon. Wasche explained, "She's really able to balance being an excellent student and excelling at football, wrestling, powerlifting and track."

Keep an eye on Rachel Bridges in years to come -- a young lady with brains and brawn, who refuses to back down from any challenge that comes her way. "I love to compete," Bridges said. "I'm like one of the most competitive people ever."

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