Apple Valley High School wrestler Cassandra Gonzales captured gold in the 69-kilogram division at the U17 Pan American Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, helping Team USA sweep all 10 women’s freestyle titles. Representing MN Elite Wrestling Club, Gonzales finished with a 3-1 record in the round-robin format. After a narrow 5-4 loss to Brazil’s Mayara Santos, she bounced back with dominant performances – earning two first-period pins and a 10-0 technical fall over Canada to secure the championship. Gonzales also represented the United States at the U17 World Championships in Athens, Greece in August.