HISTORY-MAKER: Plymouth wrestler first P-CEP female to win state title
Plymouth High junior Nanda Kibi stands atop the podium after winning the 140-pound weight class during Saturday’s MHSAA wrestling finals at Ford Field.
After excelling in judo for six years, Nanda Kibi decided to try wrestling in eighth grade at East Middle School.
Her initial experience on the mats proved less than promising.
“Actually, I hated it my first year,” Kibi reflected, smiling. “I wanted to quit. But I ended up winning my district, so I kept going.”
The rest is history — literally.
On Saturday, Kibi, a junior at Plymouth High School, became the first female wrestler who attends the three-high school Plymouth-Canton Educational Park to win an individual state championship.
Four pins and a title
And she didn’t just win the 140-pound weight class — she steamrolled through it by pinning all four of her opponents, the first three in less than 48 seconds.
Seeded second in her weight class, Kibi pinned No. 1 seed Mackenna Webster of Bronson in 2 minutes and 35 seconds.
“At the time of the pin (in the championship match), I was leading 3-2,” Kibi said. “I got a takedown and then she got a reversal. Even though the score was close, I remained calm and confident.”
Kibi’s amazing effort at the state finals improved her season record to 35-1.
Kibi showed promise during her freshman season for the Wildcats, placing eighth at the state meet.
“My sophomore year I didn’t place at the state meet, which was disappointing,” she admitted. “I realized I was taking it too seriously. Before every match, I was thinking, ‘I have to win! I have to win!’ I was putting too much pressure on myself.
Bouncing back big-time
“I went into this year focusing on having fun — enjoying the sport and enjoying being around my teammates.”
Kibi said her family, friends and teammates were ecstatic for her history-making accomplishment.
“I just so grateful to everyone for the support I’ve received,” she said. “My coach (Adeeb Alcodray) is outstanding and I couldn’t have done it without my parents who have taken me to so many practices and tournaments.”
Kibi has developed such a strong affection for wrestling, she competes year-round. Once the high school season is over, she joins the Garden City-based Martial Yard wrestling club.
“My goal is to wrestle in college,” said Kibi, who shared her favorite subject at Plymouth is social studies.
Winning runs in the family
Nanda may not be the last Kibi to reach great heights in wrestling at Plymouth. Her younger sister, Bhadra, is already an accomplished grappler who won the tournament she competed in this past weekend.
What advice would Nanda give a pre-high school girl who is thinking about pursuing wrestling in high school.
“First, I would tell her it’s a lot of fun,” Kibi said. “I would remind her to enjoy what she’s doing every day.
“Winning the state championship doesn’t seem real yet; it hasn’t sunk in. I am so grateful, though, just to have gotten the opportunity to do this.”
Kibi and teammate Marissa Richmond helped Plymouth finish sixth in the team standings at this past week’s state meet held at Ford Field. Richmond placed fifth at 155 pounds.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
