For the past four years, Bella Graziani has helped build the standard for girls wrestling at Tinora High School, and she is not done yet.
Now a senior, Bella is closing in on a historic milestone: 150 career wins. She currently sits at 136 career victories, with 25 wins already this season, and is ranked No. 1 in the state. A three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer, including a State Runner-Up finish as a junior, Bella has established herself as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history.
Fittingly, she will likely own the record book.
As this marks just the fourth official year of girls wrestling at Tinora, Bella will set the standard across the board. She leads the program in most pins, wins, and takedowns both in a single season and over a career.
A Defining Moment
Head coach Nick Siewert points to an early-season tournament at Findlay as the perfect example of Bella’s determination.
After putting in a demanding offseason, including competing in higher-level freestyle matches and taking some tough losses to top Ohio competition, Bella faced one of those same opponents again. This time, her opponent was ranked No. 2 in the state.
“It was a worrisome match for everyone,” Siewert said. “But Bella came out and did what Bella does and won that match in the second period and has been on fire ever since.”
That victory was not just a win. It was a statement.
Leading On and Off the Mat
Bella has served as a captain all four years of her high school career, helping guide a relatively new program.
“She conducts herself on and off the mat at the highest level and really sets the standard of Tinora Ladies Wrestling,” Siewert said. “She encourages her teammates as well as opponents, shares her knowledge, and pushes the pace in the practice room.”
Her coach emphasizes that Bella’s success is not just about her wrestling ability.
“She is not just where she is because she is a good wrestler. She is also an amazing human. I have been very blessed to coach her for the last 7–8 years.”
The 150-Win Milestone
For Bella, the numbers matter, but not in the way most might expect.
“It would be a nice completion to my senior season,” she said. “But realistically, it is not about the number of wins I am achieving. It is just about having a goal I can continuously work toward every match. If I do end up hitting that number, it would be a full-circle moment from freshman year to now.”
The Next Chapter: Tiffin University
Bella will continue her academic and wrestling career at Tiffin University, where she has earned both athletic and academic scholarships at the Division II level.
“I have always felt a personal, home-like connection to Tiffin,” Bella said. “I have known the head coach for a while, and I know his coaching style pairs great with my style of wrestling. They also have an amazing program.”
Equally important was her academic path. Bella plans to major in nursing, and Tiffin’s support of nursing students, particularly when it comes to clinical scheduling, played a key role in her decision.
Balancing Excellence
In addition to dominating on the mat, Bella is enrolled in College Credit Plus courses, maintaining her academic standing while holding the No. 1 ranking in the state.
“That is easy. As much as any other class, you just have to stay on top of your work,” she said. “You cannot let the homework overwhelm you, and if you need help, ask. As for staying No. 1, I just show up to practice every day and try my best, whether I am having a good or bad day. On both ends of the spectrum, you just have to put in effort.”
As Tinora’s girls wrestling program continues to grow, Bella Graziani’s legacy is already firmly in place, not just in the record book, but in the culture she helped build.
