Q&A with Alexander Diaz: Discipline, Rest, and the Student-Athlete Mindset

In our recent conversation, Alexander Diaz, a member of the NYU wrestling team, shared his journey from growing up playing multiple sports to committing fully to wrestling at the collegiate level. Alex opened up about the discipline required to balance academics and athletics, the importance of rest, overcoming injury, leaning on coaches and teammates, and staying mentally grounded before competition.

Q: Alex, can you tell us a little bit about your background and the sports you played growing up?

Alex: I’ve been playing sports basically my whole life, since I was four or five. The main two were soccer and wrestling, but once high school came around, I knew I had to decide on one if I wanted to compete in college. I chose wrestling, and I had coaches along the way who really helped me get to the next level.

Q: What made you choose wrestling over soccer?

Alex: I’m definitely satisfied with my decision. I loved soccer, but I also loved wrestling. I felt like wrestling gave me a better opportunity to get to a strong school and succeed at the next level. The recruiting process is different between the two sports, and I think wrestling was the right path for me.

Q: What does a normal week look like for you during wrestling season at NYU?

Alex: During the season, it’s definitely a lot. Sometimes we have two practices a day, morning and night, plus lifts and runs depending on the day. On top of that, you still have classes. The biggest thing for me is getting enough sleep and being well-rested so I have the energy to get through everything.

Q: How do you handle the pressure of academics, performance, and competing?

Alex: There’s always pressure, even if you don’t always think about it. Whether it’s school or performing well, you have to have the right mindset. I remind myself that I need to get my work done, keep my grades where they need to be, and when I’m wrestling, give it my all.

Q: How did you develop that disciplined mindset?

Alex: I think it comes from doing it for so many years. It becomes part of your life. When I was younger, it was more for fun, but as I got older and started competing at a higher level, it became more serious. You have a team, classes, and more responsibilities, so you learn how to put your effort into everything.

Q: How important is the team environment in wrestling, even though it is often seen as an individual sport?

Alex: The team is definitely important. Even though wrestling is technically individual, there’s a huge team aspect. You lean on your teammates and coaches throughout the season. Everyone has a similar mindset, and that makes it easier to get through everything together.

Q: Have you had to overcome injuries during your career?

Alex: Yeah, I sprained both of my LCLs at one point. I kept trying to come back because I felt like I was falling behind, but sometimes rest is the better option. You have to be smart with your body and your health instead of just pushing forward and running yourself into the ground.

Q: Who helped you through that injury process?

Alex: Definitely my coaches. Even when I wanted to push through, they reminded me there was no point in practicing while hurt, especially if competition was still a little ways away. My teammates also helped by giving advice and suggesting different workouts I could do.

Q: How do you bounce back after a bad performance?

Alex: If I perform badly, I’m definitely upset, but at the end of the day, I can’t change the result. I just have to take notes, move on to the next match, and make sure I don’t make the same mistakes again.

Q: Does social media ever add pressure during recruiting or competition?

Alex: I wouldn’t say social media affected me too much. I could see how seeing other people get recruited to different schools might get in someone’s head, and maybe it did a little bit when I wasn’t recruited yet, but overall I just tried to focus on myself.

Q: What do you do before a match to stay grounded and prepared?

Alex: I use visualization and breathing techniques. I also like doing the same warm-up before every match — walking around, getting ready, visualizing how I’m going to wrestle, the shots I’m going to take, and the moves I want to get to. I try not to overthink it and just focus on wrestling to the best of my ability.

Q: Do you listen to music before matches?

Alex: I actually don’t really listen to music before matches. A lot of people do, but I kind of like being in my own head and staying focused. Sometimes music can get you too pumped up and make you lose focus, so I try to stay calm and grounded.

Q: Are there any athletes or people you look up to?

Alex: I watch a lot of high-level wrestling and try to pick and choose techniques or styles from different wrestlers. I don’t really have one specific person, but I do look up to my coaches. They’re great people and helped get me to where I am today.

Q: How did you become comfortable asking coaches for help?

Alex: I think it happened when I really started to care about getting to the next level. If you truly care, you also have to focus on your mental state and ask for advice. You can’t be afraid to ask, because if you don’t ask, you’ll never know the answer.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self?

Alex: I’d tell myself that all the practices, hard work, and tough moments will be worth it in the end. You get what you put in. Just keep giving 100%, and things will go your way eventually.