Girls wrestler of the year: Gaby Caro, Stoneman Douglas junior

Stoneman Douglas junior Gaby Caro captured her first girls wrestling state title in the 125-pound weight class and finished the season unbeaten with a 21-0 record. Caro, who is the first wrestler from Broward County to win the girls state championship, was recognized as the Sun Sentinel girls wrestler of the year.

Caro recorded three consecutive victories by fall to reach the state final and earned the win by decision in the championship match. She had previously placed second in the 125-pound weight division at the inaugural girls wrestling state championship during her sophomore season.

Gaby Caro, Wrestling, Marjory Stoneman Douglas on onTuesday, March 7, 2023. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

“I think I improved a lot from last year,” she said. “I am capable of doing even more. I understand the sport a lot more and I have a better gameplan and that has helped me. I was pretty confident I was going to do well at states. My mindset was to go into each match and stay focused because anything can happen. I was able to achieve my goal.”

Caro also has improved in her development on the mat at practice sessions with the Douglas boys wrestling team. She said it was beneficial working with training partner David Leiva, who qualified for the state tournament.

“It helps me a lot because the guy’s side of wrestling is so much more advanced and they have a better grasp at it,” she said. “They are able to push me to get better.”

Caro, who grew up in St. Augustine, enjoyed karate during her childhood where she became a black belt. She started with Jiu-jitsu at the age of eight and has since displayed her talents on the national scene while in high school. She captured the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Juvenile Middleweight Blue Belt division world championship in Texas in her debut. She is now a two-time Pan American and two-time world champion in Jiu-jitsu.

“My dad was my inspiration to start Jiu-jitsu,” she said. “He started just before me and he has been my coach and very supportive. He helps me with my plan and what is needed to get better. He has been taking me to the tournaments and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Caro said she is looking forward to the challenge in her pursuit of another state title in wrestling.

“I picked up wrestling fast in high school because I had the grappling experience,” she said. “I feel wrestling is the toughest sport. It’s a lot of dedication and you do not take a break. I want to replicate what I did and win another state title.”

The FHSAA girls wrestling state championship also included Dillard’s Taniayah Gosier (105), Wellington’s Lana Loucks (115), Western’s Iliana Gracey (120), Somerset Academy’s Rachel Silva (120), Wellington’s Aurora Guadiana (130), Coral Springs’ Vanessa Alexandre (155), Wellington’s Sofia Bentz (170) and Monarch’s Payton Moyer (190). Guadiana and Bentz both placed fifth at the state tournament.

Gaby Caro, Wrestling, Marjory Stoneman Douglas on onTuesday, March 7, 2023. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)