POLLOCK PINES, Calif. — Pollock Pines native Alex Hedrick continues to build on an already remarkable wrestling career after capturing the Women’s Freestyle 57-kilogram True-Third Match at a major USA Wrestling event, defeating fellow national contender Amani Jones.
The victory further solidifies Hedrick’s position among the top freestyle wrestlers in the United States and adds to a resume that spans youth, collegiate, national and international competition.
Hedrick, who competes for the renowned Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, has become one of the nation’s most consistent performers in the highly competitive 57 kg weight class. Her latest win comes as she continues to pursue opportunities on the international stage and compete against the country’s best athletes.
Raised in Pollock Pines and coached extensively by her father, Pete Hedrick, throughout her developmental years, Hedrick emerged as one of California’s premier wrestling talents at an early age. While attending Bella Vista High School, she became a two-time California state champion and earned state medals four times.
Her success extended beyond girls wrestling. Hedrick compiled an impressive 85-5 record against female competitors while also earning 38 varsity victories against male wrestlers, a notable accomplishment during an era when opportunities for girls wrestling were still expanding nationwide.
Nationally, she twice finished as runner-up at the U.S. Girls Folkstyle National Championships, establishing herself as one of the country’s most promising young athletes before advancing to the collegiate level.
Hedrick continued her rise at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, one of North America’s most respected collegiate wrestling programs. In March 2020, she captured a national title at the inaugural National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships, a milestone that placed her among the sport’s elite collegiate competitors.
Her success has carried into senior-level competition. Hedrick has qualified for multiple editions of Final X, the championship series that determines members of the U.S. World and Olympic wrestling teams. Appearances in Final X competition in 2022 and 2026 underscore her standing among the nation’s top wrestlers.
Those who know Hedrick say her impact extends well beyond the wrestling mat.
“Alex is the type of person who makes excellence look effortless and compassion feel natural,” a supporter said. “Her brilliance is matched by her kindness, and she has the uncanny ability to lift everyone lucky enough to be around her. Alex brings empathy to everything she does, and shines light everywhere she enters.”
For residents of Pollock Pines and El Dorado County, Hedrick’s achievements continue to provide a source of local pride as she competes on wrestling’s biggest stages. With another significant national victory now added to her record, she remains firmly in the conversation among America’s top contenders at 57 kilograms and continues her pursuit of future international opportunities.
