If you ever hear a loud WHAM in the gym, don’t worry. Nothing is broken, and usually no one’s hurt—it’s just Ethan Cao slamming down his opponent in a heated wrestling match. Transferring his junior year from Northern California, his goal was to tackle every opportunity that came his way. As wrestling team captain and WSC Athlete of the Year (2025), he applies what he has learned from the sport to his everyday life. Ethan demonstrates resilience, grit, and commitment to long-term growth after recovery from short-term impact. Off the mat, Ethan is scrappy and active, serving on Honor Council, and exploring robotics through FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) and FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge), where he works with both large– and small-scale robots. When he is not caught up in his many commitments, Ethan always appreciates a night of recovery and relaxation: sleeping in on weekends, watching movies like Detective Chinatown, baking Basque cheesecakes and pies, working out, or hiking northern California trails when home. When reminiscing about his high school experiences, Ethan fondly recalls playing catch with a foam football and his dorm neighbors, and eating post-tournament fish tacos after a long day. Though he will be missed by many, Ethan will pin down his next adventure at Washington University in St. Louis.