Watkins Mill High School Wrestler Leads On and Off the Mat

Jabea Ewane is “strong-minded, determined and focused,” said Aron Dorsey, head wrestling coach at Watkins Mill High School.  

Jabea, a senior, is one of two female students in the wrestling program at Watkins Mill. She doesn’t see it as a challenge to be “one of the only girls” in the room. “As a female wrestler, I feel like we do deal with a lot of underestimation,” said Jabea, “Then I end up on the mat, I end up winning and it’s a good boost to my ego.” 

According to Jeff Sullivan, MCPS systemwide athletics director, 62 girls competed in the MCPS county tournament last year; this year, that number has grown to 100. 

Jabea began wrestling in the 9th grade when a friend asked her to join the team. She didn’t know much about it when she started, but she worked hard and returned after every season. The first two years, she placed first in county, regional and state competitions. Her junior year, she placed first in county and regional competitions, and took second place in state. She is focused on finishing her high school wrestling career strong. 

Wrestling has allowed her to create a “long-lasting bond” with wrestlers from other schools and new teammates. She’s also built relationships with her coaches. Coach Dorsey has known Jabea since her freshman year and guides and motivates her on and off season. This year, Alex Aguilar stepped in to support the team as assistant coach. 

In addition to her own conditioning and growth this season, Jabea supports the team by mentoring others, while balancing school and a part-time accounting job (she plans to attend college to become an accountant). “It’s been good to train with her,” said Ashley, a junior and first-year wrestler.

Coach Dorsey, Coach Aguilar and Jabea mentioned that wrestling is not an easy sport. “In the beginning you may want to quit; it is hard,” said Jabea. “But if you stick with it, it will get easier and it will become more enjoyable.” 

Jabea will join other wrestlers in the MCPS county tournament Feb. 21-22. She’ll then compete in regionals before heading to the state championship in March. 

“Jabea knows the moves, she understands the strategy, she’s good with conditioning and takes it to the next level,” said Coach Aguilar. “You really have to see her compete live, she’s something special.”