A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Valley’s Arianna Bernard

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, March 24, 2025 | 10:50 AM

It was a season of great success for Valley girls senior wrestler Arianna Bernard.

After beginning her wrestling journey at 7 years old and wrestling against boys from that early age — like most girls wrestlers often do — Bernard enjoyed her first experience in postseason wrestling.

“It was a different experience,” she said. “It was very surreal to see that many girls wrestling and seeing so many people in interested in the sport. Just a huge difference from when I first started in the sport.”

Bernard went 25-9 on the season wrestling at the 190-pound weight class, with 19 of her wins coming via pin. She finished her career with a mark of 38-10 with 26 career pins.

Her postseason journey began in the WPIAL championships, where she made it to the final match against one of her best friends, Plum’s Alaina Claassen.

“I was excited,” Bernard said. “Alaina has been one of my longtime friends, so it was pretty nerve-racking for me, but I was excited to be in the finals with her more than I would have if it was anyone else.”

Bernard lost a 3-0 decision to Claassen, earning a silver medal.

“All but one of the times we’ve wrestled, she’s beaten me by takedown. Not really sure how to beat her,” Bernard said. “She usually gets me out of position and is able to beat me in that way.”

Bernard then went on to finish fourth at the West Regional tournament at North Allegheny.

She lost in the semifinals to Canon-McMillan’s Natalie Rush, whom she had defeated 4-3 at WPIALs. But Bernard fought her way through the consolation bracket to place and make it to states.

“I was up points going into the second period, and I ended up choosing down and it got me stuck on my back, which led to a pin for her,” Bernard said. “She came out very aggressive this time and ended up taking first in that tournament, getting the best of Alaina as well.”

At states, Bernard drew the top wrestler in the state, Quakertown’s Caroline Hattala, in the first round and was pinned in the third period after leading after the second.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match no matter the outcome, so I just tried to do my best,’ Bernard said.

Again, Bernard fought her way through the consolation bracket and came away with a medal after placing seventh.

“I feel like I could have done a little better, had beaten some of the girls I lost to,” Bernard said. “I was very happy I came out with a medal, and I was the only person from Valley to come home with a placement.”

Bernard took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What’s your wrestling style?

I think I’m more of a defensive wrestler. A lot of the time I do like to shoot, but with 190, it’s a lot harder because if you get stuck underneath the girls, they’re definitely guaranteed to score. I’m a defensive wrestler in neutral, and whenever it’s top and bottom, I’m a very good offensive wrestler on top. I like to look for turns and tilts to score points and get pins.

What was your first experience at regionals like?

It was different. I didn’t expect the amount of people there. I didn’t think there were that many girls who want to wrestle, who are wrestling.

What were you looking to improve on this season?

I was looking forward to improving my mentality. A lot of the time I go out there thinking I’m not good enough, but I know I am.

Favorite high school memory so far?

Winning Keystone states last year. That was my last year to compete in that.

Any hobbies?

I go to work at the VFW in Lower Burrell. Other than that, I like to hang with my friends and family.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan on attending Waynesburg to study psychology and continue wrestling.

What are your thoughts on their program and getting a glimpse at college wresting?

It’s going to be very different, and I’m going to have to hold myself to a different standard. I like how small and private the school is. I’ve been in contact with their coach for two years now, and we have a great relationship. I think it will be a different experience, but I’m excited for it.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Go out every match and do your best. Anything can happen no matter the day or what someone is going through.

Tags: Valley