From California State Champion to NCAA Champion, World Team Member, and Mentor to the Next Generation

Success in wrestling is often measured by championships, medals, and titles. While Nahshon Garrett’s résumé certainly includes all of those accomplishments, his story is ultimately about something much greater. It is the story of a young athlete who discovered that wrestling is not merely a sport, but a lifelong classroom—one that teaches discipline, resilience, humility, accountability, and service.

Today, Garrett is widely recognized as one of the greatest wrestlers to emerge from California and one of the finest athletes in Cornell University wrestling history. Yet despite reaching the highest levels of collegiate and international wrestling, his greatest source of pride is not found in trophies, but in the impact he now has on the next generation.

His journey serves as a reminder that true greatness is defined not simply by what one accomplishes, but by the character developed along the way.

Discovering a Passion

Garrett’s introduction to wrestling came in seventh grade when his gym coach encouraged him to try the sport. What began as curiosity quickly became a passion.

“I’ve always loved competition,” Garrett recalls. “Wrestling gave me a place where effort and discipline directly translated into results.”

Unlike team sports where outcomes can be shared among many players, wrestling immediately appealed to Garrett because success depended entirely upon individual preparation.

“What first drew me in was the challenge of competing one-on-one. There are no excuses in wrestling—you learn a lot about yourself every time you step on the mat.”

Those early experiences revealed something even more meaningful than victory.

“As I continued competing, I fell in love with the process of improving, overcoming adversity, and seeing what I was capable of accomplishing through hard work.”

That philosophy would become the foundation of one of the most decorated careers in American wrestling.

Building the Foundation at Chico High School

Garrett’s rise to national prominence began at Chico High School under the guidance of legendary coach Keith Rollins.

Reflecting on his high school years, Garrett credits Chico with shaping not only his wrestling career, but also his identity.

“Chico High was where I really discovered who I was.”

While balancing academics and athletics, he learned lessons that would remain with him throughout life.

“Wrestling taught me discipline that carried into every other part of my life. The wrestling room became a second home where I learned resilience, leadership, and what it means to represent something bigger than yourself.”

Coach Rollins played an especially significant role in Garrett’s development.

“My high school coach, Keith Rollins, laid an amazing foundation for me, teaching discipline, accountability, and confidence.”

The results spoke for themselves.

Garrett captured two CIF California State Championships, earned multiple Fargo All-American honors in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, and concluded his high school career by winning the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Senior National Championship. By graduation, he had established himself as one of the nation’s elite recruits.

Pursuing Excellence at Cornell

For many athletes, reaching the NCAA Division I level fulfills a dream.

For Garrett, it represented the beginning of an even greater challenge.

“Going to Cornell, I wanted to prove I could compete with the very best in the country while earning a meaningful education.”

His ambitions extended well beyond earning All-American honors.

“My goal wasn’t simply to become an All-American—it was to become a national champion while taking advantage of everything an Ivy League education had to offer. I wanted to grow as both an athlete and a person.”

Cornell provided exactly that opportunity.

“Wrestling there pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of.”

Academically, Garrett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Development Sociology, a field that broadened his perspective on society and human development.

“I enjoyed studying Development Sociology because it challenged me to think about people, communities, and society from different perspectives.”

The relationships he built proved equally meaningful.

“The relationships I built with teammates, coaches, and professors continue to influence me today.”

One of Cornell’s Greatest Champions

Garrett’s collegiate accomplishments rank among the finest in Ivy League wrestling history.

He became a four-time NCAA All-American, placing fifth in 2015, third in 2013, runner-up in 2014, before culminating his career with an unforgettable undefeated 37-0 season that ended with the 2016 NCAA Division I National Championship at 133 pounds.

His dominance extended throughout the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA), where he captured four consecutive conference championships from 2013 through 2016 while earning three Ivy League Wrestler of the Year honors.

His remarkable career was recognized with induction into the EIWA Hall of Fame in 2022, while Cornell also honored him through election into the prestigious Quill and Dagger Society, one of the university’s highest distinctions.

Yet even after reaching the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling, Garrett remains grounded.

“Winning an NCAA title was incredible, but the personal growth and lifelong friendships are what I value most.”

Reaching the World Stage

Garrett successfully transitioned from collegiate wrestling to international freestyle competition, representing the renowned Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club.

He earned a place on Team USA’s 2018 Senior World Team and returned to national-team status during the 2023-24 season, proving his consistency among America’s elite.

His international résumé includes:

• Silver Medalist – 2023 Pan American Games
• Grand Prix Champion (2025)
• Three Grand Prix Bronze Medals
• Two U.S. Open Silver Medals
• U.S. Open Bronze Medalist
• Dave Schultz Memorial International Runner-up
• Competitor at the 2016 and 2022 U.S. Olympic Team Trials

Each accomplishment reflected the same work ethic that first developed inside a middle school wrestling room years earlier.

Inspired by Humility

When asked about his greatest influences, Garrett’s answer extends beyond athletic success.

“I’ve been inspired by people who pursue excellence while remaining humble.”

Among wrestling’s icons, Olympic and World Champion Jordan Burroughs stands at the top of Garrett’s list.

“The athletes and coaches I’ve respected most are those who lead through service rather than ego.”

His family also played an essential role in shaping his perspective.

“They’ve always reminded me that wrestling is something I do—not who I am.”

That mindset has allowed Garrett to navigate both victories and disappointments with perspective and gratitude.

Success Beyond Medals

Garrett’s philosophy is perhaps best summarized by the quote he carries with him throughout life:

“Success is the peace of mind that comes from knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

The quote, famously attributed to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, perfectly reflects Garrett’s outlook.

“To me, success isn’t defined by medals. It’s about knowing I gave everything I had and stayed true to my values.”

It is a philosophy centered not on external recognition, but on personal excellence.

Returning Home to Give Back

After years competing at the highest levels of wrestling, Garrett recently returned to Northern California, joining the coaching staff at Windsor High School in the CIF North Coast Section.

The transition from athlete to coach has provided a new sense of purpose.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding.”

“After spending so many years focused on my own athletic goals, it’s fulfilling to invest in the next generation.”

For Garrett, coaching represents an opportunity to develop more than champions.

“Success isn’t just about winning matches—it’s about helping young people develop confidence, discipline, and character.”

“Watching athletes grow is just as satisfying as competing myself.”

His commitment extends well beyond the high school season. Garrett remains actively involved through wrestling clubs, camps, clinics, and mentoring athletes throughout California.

“Wrestling has given me so much that I want to continue giving back in multiple ways.”

Growing the Sport

Garrett believes wrestling’s future depends upon making the sport more accessible while emphasizing its lifelong benefits.

“I think the biggest opportunity is making wrestling more accessible and helping people understand everything the sport teaches beyond winning matches.”

Those lessons reach far beyond athletic competition.

“Wrestling develops confidence, discipline, resilience, accountability, and mental toughness—qualities that benefit every area of life.”

Equally important is the quality of coaching.

“We need great coaches who prioritize long-term development over short-term success and help athletes enjoy the journey.”

It is a philosophy Garrett now strives to embody every day as a mentor.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Having reached nearly every pinnacle the sport offers, Garrett’s advice to young wrestlers is remarkably simple.

“Fall in love with the process instead of chasing the outcome.”

Championships, he believes, are merely the natural result of consistent preparation.

“Championships are great, but they’re a byproduct of consistent habits.”

His message extends beyond athletics.

“Be coachable, stay curious, and remember that the lessons you learn in wrestling—discipline, resilience, humility, and perseverance—will serve you long after your competitive career is over.”

It is advice earned through decades of experience and validated by one of wrestling’s most accomplished careers.

A Lasting Legacy

In 2026, Garrett’s extraordinary career was recognized with induction into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of individuals whose contributions have shaped the sport throughout the Golden State.

Yet Hall of Fame honors only tell part of his story.

Nahshon Garrett’s legacy is measured not only by two California state championships, an NCAA national championship, four All-American finishes, four EIWA titles, World Team appearances, international medals, and Hall of Fame recognition. It is measured by the countless young athletes he now inspires through coaching, mentorship, and his unwavering commitment to service.

His journey demonstrates that the greatest champions are those who never stop learning, never stop growing, and never stop giving back.

From a seventh-grade student discovering wrestling for the first time to an NCAA champion, World Team member, international medalist, Hall of Famer, and respected coach, Garrett has lived the very philosophy he now shares with others.

True success is not simply standing atop the podium.

It is becoming the very best version of yourself—and then helping others do the same.

Photos courtesy of John Sachs [Tech-Fall], USA Wrestling, and Tony Rotundo [WAW].

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