East County Athlete of the Week: Francesca Bisordi

Much has changed for Francesca Bisordi. The junior is wrestling in a new class. She's working under a new coach. But her history remains a big part of her future. Bisordi was the first female wrestler at Lakewood Ranch High to qualify for the state tournament, competing in the 170-pound class as a sophomore. She posted a 27-5 record last season following a 3-20 effort as a freshman. She is the East County Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start wrestling?

My freshman year, I was just doing weightlifting. My brother (Thomas Bisordi) had been wrestling since he was in elementary school. He told me they were letting girls on the team, and that I should join. I came to a practice in (early December 2023), and ever since then, I just loved it and stuck with it.

What do you love most about the sport?

How hard we have to work. It's a lot of work, so it's a lot more rewarding when we do well. I watch a lot of wrestling and I love coming to practice. I never skip practice.

How have you been focused on improving your skillset?

My past few years, I did a lot of throwing and defensive stuff. Now, I'm trying to do more shooting and offensive stuff. I also am cutting a weight class or two, so since I'm lighter, I have to be quicker and people don't get thrown as easily. We have a new coach (Nate Lancaster), so he's switching around our style as a whole. All of my technique are a lot different than they were before.

What are your goals for your junior season with Lakewood Ranch?

I want to win state. It's difficult, obviously, but at least by the end of high school. I'm putting that as my goal because I want to set my goals high. Last year, I just went and I didn't do well — I didn't win anything. If I place, I would be happy.

When you're not wrestling, how do you spend your free time?

I have a lot of hard classes. I'm taking five APs, so I have a lot of homework most of the time. If I have free time, I try to go to the gym and train more. I hang out with my friends a lot.

What quote or piece of advice has stuck with you throughout your career?

"You are in control." I write it on everything, and it keeps me going throughout whatever I'm doing.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would you meet and why?

Helen Maroulis, because she's just insane in women's wrestling history and she's super cool.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I would want to go to Spain. I've never been.

What's your favorite movie or TV show?

Right now, I'm watching a lot of Stranger Things. I finished (Season 5, Vol. 1) in the first day. I'm re-watching it with my friends and now I'm talking about all my theories.

Finish this sentence. Francesca Bisordi is...

Tough. The only thing that keeps me winning in wrestling is that I stick it through and I'm scrappy.