Driven by Family Grit, Moriarty’s Kristina Means Commits to Collegiate Wrestling

Moriarty, NM—Moriarty High School senior and multi-sport standout Kristina Means formally signed her National Letter of Intent on November 12, committing to wrestle for Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Oklahoma. The momentous occasion took place in the school’s gymnasium, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including family, friends, teammates, and faculty.

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💪 Tenacity Runs in the Family

Means, who has also competed in volleyball and softball for the Pintos, spoke about the source of her remarkable tenacity—a drive that allows her to persevere through injuries and challenges. She credits her parents, Tim Means and Brenda Gonzalez, along with her younger sister, Lily Shoemate, as her primary motivators.

The origin of her “never give up” attitude is especially profound, rooted in her family’s resilience. Her father, Tim, is a UFC fighter who has battled through multiple injuries, always pushing forward. Her mother, Brenda, recently underwent back surgery but never once complained or gave up, even while in pain.

“I had to watch my dad fight through multiple injuries, and just like he kept pushing every time,” Means said. “And my mom just recently got back surgery… never once did I ever hear her complain or give up. I definitely think you if you want to do hard things, you have to dig down.”

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🟢 A Clear Path to Carl Albert

The early signing provides a welcome relief and a clear focus for Means’ senior year. The path to Carl Albert was a direct one, spearheaded by Kason Wilkinson coach who initially tried to recruit her to North Carolina.

“He reached out to me at first, wanting me to wrestle North Carolina, and I didn’t like the distance,” Means explained. “Then he reached out to me again and told me he was in Oklahoma, at Carl Albert. And I liked it right away. It’s somewhere I wanted to be… And then he sent me my offer a couple weeks ago, and I took it.”

Means has already visited the area and loves the surroundings, noting its “very green” landscape and the “water everywhere,” which she appreciates as an avid swimmer.

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🧠 Future in Occupational Therapy

While her competitive career is set to continue, Means is also focused on her academic pursuits. She plans to study Psychology in college with the ultimate goal of becoming an Occupational Therapist.

While she’s keeping her options open, she expressed excitement about her new environment. “I love Oklahoma. I love it out there, so I’m very excited. I might just stay there for a while,” she said, acknowledging that she always has a home to return to in New Mexico.

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🌟 Advice for Young Athletes

When asked what advice she would give to younger students or those just starting their high school or athletic journey, Means offered a powerful perspective on identity and balance.

“I would say you are more than your sport,” Means advised. “Don’t let your sport consume your life… I have to tell myself I’m more than wrestling. I think there’s times when you have to dig down and practice, but there’s also times to give yourself a break and work hard and believe in yourself and surround yourself with people that believe in you too… and just never give up if you have dreams.”

Kristina Means’ signing marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, carrying the grit and determination instilled by her family onto the collegiate mat.

🏆 The Women’s Wrestling Program

The CASC women’s wrestling team has quickly become a national contender:

National Ranking: The women’s team is consistently highly ranked in the NJCAA. In recent seasons, they have been ranked as high as No. 2 in the NJCAA Women’s Wrestling Preseason Rankings and have been in the top 5 for the NJCAA Women’s Wrestling Tournament Team Rankings.

National Success: The team has achieved impressive finishes at the NJCAA National Championships, including a 5th place team finish and a 6th place team finish in recent years, with multiple athletes earning All-American status.

Individual Talent: CASC wrestlers have been ranked among the top individuals in the nation across various weight classes, demonstrating a strong history of developing elite talent.