When Emmanuel's Karissa Turnwall stepped onto the mat at the U23 Pan American Championship as a member of Team USA, she took it all in.

In her first international tournament, competing alongside some of the top wrestlers in America against the world's best, Turnwall knew she had to give her all to come away with a tournament win, and she did just that.

"The tournament itself was a bit intimidating in the best way," Turnwall said. "I was excited to get a feel for each countries style of wrestling and see how ours would interact." 

Although she was surrounded by new teammates and coaches, a familiar face in her corner made all the difference.

"Coach (Bryce) Killian played a huge role in getting my mind and body right before the competition," she said. "He was my training partner during practice sessions, my warmup partner before competition, and my biggest supporter in my corner. He watched and studied various opponents during the tournament to give me helpful advice and was the steady guiding hand leading me forward."

In her time at Emmanuel, Turnwall remembers toeing the line against some of her Team USA but the moment the team came together this summer, friendships formed instantly.

"Everyone was extremely nice and welcoming," Turnwall said. "Getting to know these girls outside of being tough wrestlers was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better team and experience."

Turnwall went 5-0 in the tournament with three wins by tech fall and two by points. She defeated the 2024 U-23 Pan American Championship gold medalist, Yusmy Chaparro Urrego of Colombia, twice on her way to a top podium finish.  

"My proudest moment of the tournament was winning gold," Turnwall said. "With it being my first international tournament, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I felt confident in my preparation and stuck to my game plan every time I stepped onto the mat."

Her favorite memory of the trip came from sharing her winning moment with her coach.

"Stepping off the mat and giving him a hard high five and hug was a great feeling," Turnwall said. "Winning that medal was a team effort. He has believed in me since my freshman year of college, so it was nice to be able to share that moment with him."

What's next for Karissa?

"I'll be traveling to the Olympic Training Center to take part in training camps before heading back to Emmanuel for my senior year."

If Karisa could describe the trip in one word, it would be unforgettable.

"I am incredibly grateful for the honor and opportunity to compete with Team USA at the Pan American Championship. The experience doesn't fall short of remarkable and was truly an unforgettable trip."

Congratulations, Karissa!