Palomar Women’s Wrestling Newsletter: 3C2A Championships Recap
State Finalist and All-American Xiomara Gallego. Photo by Chris Mora
This past weekend, the Comets concluded the season at the 3C2A Championships. We ended up with 5 state medalists, two All-Americans, and two state finalists. The team finished in 5th Place.
Our medalists:
Xiomara Gallego - 2nd Place (All-American): Xiomara had an exceptional tournament (and season), making the state finals as the #3 seed. Xio wrestled a highly strategic and controlled match to beat the #2 seed from Mt. SAC, who had pinned her at the beginning of the season. Despite wrestling tough in the finals, she dropped her last match to the #1 seed to take 2nd Place. I'm genuinely impressed by how Xiomara adjusted her style for freestyle throughout the season. Excellent job this season, Xio!
Alexandria Perez - 2nd Place (All-American): Like Xiomara, Alex is a true competitor, and I know how badly she wanted to win the whole tournament. Alex dominated her first four opponents by pin or tech fall to reach the tournament finals. Anyone who watches Alex knows how fun and dynamic her wrestling style is. She was following the game plan perfectly in the finals, but unfortunately, she found herself in a bad situation against her very physically strong opponent. Amazing season, Alex!
Michelle Klein - 4th Place: To me, this was one of the best highlights of the tournament and of the whole season. Michelle showed up to the state tournament with the right attitude and upset multiple athletes who had beaten her earlier in the season. Michelle's hustle, mindset, and heart brought her all the way to the 3rd-place match, where she narrowly missed becoming an All-American. Congratulations on an impressive finish to your career at Palomar, Michelle!
Charis Tolentino - 6th Place: Charis was a bit upset about how her season ended, but I'm proud of the season she had. After having an amazing run in the regular season to earn the #1 ranking in the state, Charis had a shoulder dislocation at practice a few weeks ago. She still decided to show up and contend for a state title. In the quarterfinals, she defeated an opponent who had beaten her earlier in the season, which advanced her to the semifinals. She ultimately finished in 6th Place to become a 3C2A State Medalist. Congratulations on a remarkable season at Palomar, Charis!
Preciosa Moreno - 7th Place: One thing I've known about Preciosa since the first time I saw her wrestle is that she's going to battle through every position. Despite being unseeded, Preciosa upset the #5 seed and fought her way to a 7th-place finish. The highlight for me was during her bloodround match, when she fought off her back, got back up, and defeated her opponent to become a 2x 3C2A State Medalist (4th, 7th). The irony is that her father also finished 4th and 7th in the 3C2A. Amazing career at Palomar, Preciosa!
2x 3C2A State Medalist Preciosa Moreno. Photo by Chris Mora
Another standout performance came from Grace Parent, who secured two dominant victories and reached the bloodround. Our goal is always to gain confidence in our ability, and Grace took a significant step in the right direction at the state tournament. Next year, I believe she will be on the podium.
Unfortunately, we lost #1 seed Kyli Stanley (sickness), #2 seed Marie Gil (injury), and team captain Farah Mudher (injury) during the tournament. All of these athletes put in so much work this season, so it's painful to see them not get a chance to finish on their terms. I'm so proud of each of them for doing the right things all season and being leaders in their own way. Congratulations to Farah on an outstanding career at Palomar! I'm sure we'll see Kyli and Marie back on the mats next season. Outstanding effort by both of you.
Due to these setbacks, we were unable to match our 3rd-place projection. My ultra-competitive nature made this a very hard pill for me to swallow initially, but after reflecting on everything, I'm left with nothing but pride in our team's effort this season. It's such an honor and blessing to lead Palomar Women's Wrestling, and I'm excited to keep building this program to the level that I know it will reach.
Palomar Women’s Wrestling at the 2026 3C2A Championships
A big thank you to our athletes who worked hard and bought in all season. I was impressed by this team's effort and attitude from day one through the end of the season.
I also have to thank my assistant coaches, Quantal Langford and Mike Box.
Coach Q is such an inspirational and uplifting presence day in and day out, and he is beyond appreciated by our athletes and me. We are all thankful for your effort, wisdom, and guidance, Coach!
Coaches Quantal Langford, Mike Box, and Timmy Box at the 3C2A Championships
I also have to thank my dad, Mike Box, who earned the 3C2A Assistant Coach of the Year. Box senior does a whole lot of work behind the scenes (more than most people realize), and I am lucky to still have him in my corner after three decades of being in this sport. Congratulations on your second Coach of the Year Award.
3C2A Assistant Coach of the Year, Mike Box, and Head Coach of the Year, Marques Galles (Sacramento City).
Go Comets!
Coach Box
