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Previous Hidden Gems Spotlights:
Jason Mara, Meridian
Matthew Martino, Bishop Kelly
Kolter Burton, American Falls
Daniel and Gabriel Rosales, Mountain Home
Manuel and Carlos Valdez, Bishop Kelly
Shilo Jones, Mountain View
Clare Waite, Boise
Talen Eck, Thunder Ridge
Bowen and Riley Brunson, Buhl
Aiden McGinnis, Mountain View
Joely Slyter, Lewiston
Tyson Barnhart, Post Falls
Amie Hartman, Mountain Home
Elise Twait, Meridian
Jeremiah Gonzalez, Meridian
Wallace Durfee, Declo
Zoey Fries, Kuna
Saxton Scott, Idaho Falls
The next wrestler in my HIDDEN GEMS series is Caddy Tverdy, a junior from the small rural town of Garden Valley (Pop. 412 in 2024), which is located just over fifty miles north of the Boise metro in the middle of a mountainous valley formed by the Payette River and Rocky Mountains. A returning district champion and state qualifier in 2024, Caddy entered this season as the only girl representing the Garden Valley High School program. Just like any dedicated athlete, Caddy exhibited the vision and dedication to be the best she can be or as depicted in the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid, reach the highest level of self-actualization. Despite her aim and promising start, Caddy was thrown slightly off track in the most inopportune moment by the reality of life’s obstacles that arise now and then. Case in point, shortly after winning the Ardis Nash Memorial tournament in early December, Caddy was informed by the Garden Valley School District that her opportunity to compete for the remainder of the season was in jeopardy and likely to be canceled due to budgetary matters within the school district.
Like a true leader, Caddy did not hesitate one iota and accessed the situation with her parents as this was an opportunity to take on life’s obstacles, but more importantly a powerful catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Respectively, they were not in accord with this course of action and through a series of negotiations with the school district’s leadership, Caddy was given the green light to move forward, but with the caveat that her future on the mat remained in a state of flux and uncertainty.
Acting swiftly, Caddy and her parents explored their options, evaluated their needs as well as potential obstacles, formed strong solutions, and within a brief period of time devised an effective fundraising plan, which comprised of assembling holiday treat baskets and then selling them to their community and abroad. In essence, this was an “all hands on deck” family effort. Without delay, their plan was set in motion to not only rectify, but to propel it to center stage in the community. What’s more, Caddy utilized her networking skills to rally the Garden Valley community and like a well-oiled machine worked in tandem with them to generate the necessary funds required to complete the remainder of her prep season. According to Caddy’s parents, “the community came to bat for us and were extremely supportive in our effort. We are truly grateful!”
In the sport of wrestling or any other challenging extracurricular activity for that matter, there are measurable metrics to evaluate one’s full potential as well as predicting future performance or outcomes. Too often, there is a strong emphasis to solely focus on lagging indicators, such as wins, losses, and the accumulation of accolades. As a coach, I learned early on that there is much more to the equation and it’s of consequence to also pay attention to leading indicators, internal factors, as well as personality traits that may indirectly influence athletic performance. Brief examples include training quality, motivation, confidence, resilience, coachability, openness to experience, but more importantly possessing the physical strength and mental fortitude to embrace a prescribed “process” that is not only demanding, but the primary gateway in one’s pursuit of achievement. Based on my observations and what I have learned about Caddy, she possesses many traits often associated with high-level performers and is driven by design to be the best she can be in life.
The previous eight girls highlighted in my Hidden Gems series have accumulated an impressive list of academic and wrestling accolades. Together, they have earned a combined 13 state titles, 24 state medals, 24 All-American honors, and in the classroom attained an average grade point of 3.6. More importantly, each have embraced the difficult process of higher level achievement and are driven by many of the leading indicators, internal factors, and personal traits mentioned. To date, Caddy has accumulated her share of accolades as well as important milestones and is laser focused on pursuing the immediate goals in front of her. Yet to earn a medal at high school state or an All-American honor, Caddy’s outlook in life and drive to achieve is predicated by her strong family dynamic, commitment to excellence, and ability to meet all challenges head on.
Growing up on a ten acre property nestled within the Garden Valley mountain range, Caddy’s journey in the sport of wrestling began around the age of eleven. Prior to, her older brother Ramon made school history by becoming the first Garden Valley wrestler to earn an individual state title in 2009 and followed with another in 2010. For the most part, wrestling has been a family affair along with other sports and extracurricular activities. Despite experiencing some early success on the mat, Caddy was not 100% sold on wrestling and as a result spent a large portion of her childhood participating in array of other sporting activities, which included volleyball, softball, and basketball for example.
Having experienced a succession of injuries during middle school, Caddy’s first year of high school wrestling was cut short due to a lingering injury. This setback did not deter her from pursuing her goals. In fact, it was at this point Caddy embraced the passion for wrestling that had been growing inside her since childhood. Once her injury fully mended, Caddy spent the next year preparing for her sophomore season and with no breaks in between.
In due course, Caddy joined the ALL-IN Wrestling Academy led by Boise State alumni Levi Jones. Caddy’s desired outcome was to adopt a wrestling system that would not only enhance her wrestling skills on the mat, but also develop a strong routine, improve mental toughness, as well as an opportunity to integrate into a wrestling culture that embraces continuous growth and development, gratitude, commitment, and passion for the sport. During a recent conversation with Levi, he stated the following about Caddy’s journey in the sport, “Caddy Tverdy is an absolute rockstar! She’s a hard worker, a wrestling enthusiast, and a fantastic person. Whatever she decides to do next, she’ll crush it! She drives hours to train every day and even brings her brothers along with her to practice. She’s a true leader on and off the mat!”
Perseverance has paid off for Caddy. In her sophomore season, the fruits of her labor proved advantageous in many ways. Not only were Caddy’s physical and mental preparation skills taking on a new level, she was improving on the mat as well. For instance, during the regular season she won an individual title at the Cradle for the Cure tournament in addition to winning her first IHSAA District III Championship and qualifying to the state championships. Although coming up short of placing at state by one match, Caddy was now on a new and promising trajectory.
Making steady progress, Caddy wasted very little time after high school state and prepared for the summer circuit ahead. At the Idaho Open, she earned a title in the age group division and followed with two top four finishes at the Idaho State Championships in Freestyle and Greco-Roman. On top of that, Caddy earned a spot on Idaho’s National Team where she competed at the nation’s toughest age group event, the Fargo U.S. Nationals. Other than her experience at the Idaho High School State Championships, this competition was her toughest to date. Finishing with a record of 1-2, Caddy understood that this challenging experience was an important part of her growth in wrestling and in life.
Caddy entered her junior season with the primary goal of earning a spot on the state medal stand and more. She began 2024-’25 on a positive note by winning an individual title at the 6th Annual Ardis Nash Memorial, but as mentioned prior received news that her opportunity to continue wrestling at Garden Valley was in jeopardy of being discontinued due to budget matters. Not too long after her successful fundraising effort, she won another individual title at the Wiley Dobbs Invitational and then shortly after the New Year placed fourth at the highly competitive Rollie Lane Invitational, which hosted several top teams and individuals from the western United States.
Ranked number two in the state, Caddy continued her winning ways by registering three falls and one decision to reach the championship finals of the tough Jaybird Memorial held at Columbia High School. In the final, Caddy battled hard throughout, but lost to Idaho’s number one wrestler Kasia Hanks of Burley, who in 2024 was a state runner-up. Pushing ahead, Caddy got back to work on the mat and continued on her journey to be the best she can be.
The sport of wrestling has been a family affair in Caddy’s immediate and extended family for the last decade plus. In addition to her older brother, Ramon, they have three younger brothers who have also entered the wrestling circle. They include Zay (14), a District Champion, Jasper (12), and Cap (10). What’s more, in 2023 their cousin Graci Castillo became the first in the girl’s division to earn a state medal for Garden Valley. Further, Graci’s younger brother, Samson, is a promising young freshman at Bishop Kelly High School and is currently ranked number two in the state (5A).
Having compiled a 20-4 record at this point in the 2024-’25 season, Caddy has two tournament titles to her credit in addition to strong showings at the Rollie Lane (4th) and Jaybird (2nd), respectively. Presently, Caddy is focused on her preparation to not only peak in the post season, but to secure a spot on the medal stand at state. Of course, with the future being unknown, Caddy’s perseverance and leadership qualities will undoubtedly catapult her in the right direction. Considering the budget situation at Garden Valley, I sincerely hope that the leadership will exhaust ALL efforts to preserve the opportunities for Caddy and ALL future athletes. With that being said, Caddy led the effort to work with the community to secure her opportunity as well as establish a blueprint for action that will pave the way for others to follow. She has exhibited through her leadership skills that she has the ability to go far in life. More importantly, she exemplifies the qualities that is expected in a leader, demonstrating both strong work ethic and genuine compassion.
I am inspired by Caddy’s journey and encourage her to follow her dreams and to uphold the resilience she has demonstrated in her status quo. More recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Caddy and her family. We discussed wrestling, present athletic opportunities at Garden Valley, academics, hobbies, future goals, and family. Below is my Q&A with Caddy in addition to her wrestling and academic profile. Enjoy!
Q&A W/Caddy Tverdy – Garden Valley H.S.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?
CADDY – I first got involved in wrestling when my 3 younger brothers and I decided to go to a wrestling camp that was provided by our previous wrestling coach, Kyle Johnshoy. Even though for several years after that camp I was in and out of the sport due to injuries, and conflicts with other sports schedules I finally realized that wrestling was my sport. I slowly started to drop every other sport and just wrestle. For an entire year now, I have been wrestling with no breaks and I know that it was the right decision.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN WRESTLING?
CADDY – My biggest influence in wrestling is Coach Levi Jones. About 1 year ago I started going down 3 days a week to ALL-IN Wrestling at Eagle High School run by Levi Jones. Levi has influenced my attitude and mindset above all, which if you are involved in wrestling you know these are most important. Coach Levi is known for running tough practices, offering private lessons, and wrestling camps. I have participated in all of these activities and I can verify they are tough, but these challenges have made me a better wrestler. Levi constantly reminds me to have a process-oriented mindset and to enjoy my sport. Levi has influenced my person as a whole because he is a good wrestler and a great person. He is one of the main reasons why I smile after every match, win or lose. He also taught me to just love wrestling for wrestling.
HAVING HAD SOME SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR WRESTLING CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
CADDY – My training routine is the most consistent thing in my life. My average weekly routine consists of 2-3, 2-5 mile runs, 5 days of weight training, and at least 6 practices. 3 of my 6 practices every week are at ALL-IN Wrestling Club, coached by Levi Jones. The other 3 practices are held in my garage with my brothers, and according to my mother, all over the house. My lifts are at either the local gym in Garden Valley or at my home gym, which my parents have provided for me. I run either out in the beautiful mountains of Garden Valley or on my less-than-beautiful treadmill at home.
Along with my physical training routine I also mentally train myself by writing in my ALL-IN Wrestler Journal. This journal has helped me remember the moves I am learning and document my progress. This journal has helped shape my mindset. I hope in the future I can continue this hard work but also work harder and get 10 practices in every week just as the best of my sport usually do. As I have said before there is always another level to jump to and I strive to get to it.
BEING THE ONLY GIRL REPRESENTING GARDEN VALLEY, DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND WRESTLING EXPERIENCE.
CADDY – Being the only female wrestler can be discouraging at times. Not only for the challenges it presents me personally, but because I know the opportunities the girls at my school are missing. However, with every challenge comes an opportunity. Not having a team has taught me to be independent and to not rely on others for my success, I have learned that if I want to succeed, I have to make it happen, however, that looks. Because I don’t have a team everyone in the wrestling community has adopted me to theirs and let me know that my hard work matters. My academics at Garden Valley are described as part-time because I am a full-time Gem-prep online student. I have found that completing my high school education this way works best for me.
BASED ON YOUR UNIQUE SITUATION, WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO GROW GIRL’S WRESTLING AT GARDEN VALLEY?
CADDY - Boys wrestling has been a high school sport in Idaho for around 60 plus years. At Garden Valley, it has been a high school sport for about 20. Girls wrestling has been a state-sanctioned sport for only 3 years, it needs time, space, and support to grow, much like a wrestler. We also need to be better at promoting our sport by having local duals and tournaments. The support my community has provided for me proves that they will show up. We can’t expect people to be interested in wrestling when they know so little about it. As my dad who was a die-hard football fan has proven, it only takes a little exposure to wrestling to become completely addicted to it.
WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS AT GARDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND?
CADDY – Although I wrestle for and take 2 classes at Garden Valley High School, I am a Gem Prep Online student. My goals for my academics through Gem Prep Online are to complete my high school credits and then complete my Associates Degree next year, my senior year. I am currently working on my associate's Degree while also trying to achieve a 4.0 GPA. I currently have a 3.5 GPA, so just like in wrestling I have another level to go for. My goal is to maintain a 4.0 GPA and finish my associate degree strong, so that I can show that my commitment to excellence doesn't just apply to wrestling.
DO YOU HAVE AMBITIONS OF COMPETING IN COLLEGE OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION?
CADDY – I have a high ambition to compete at the collegiate level. As a wrestler who first started out as a wrestler who never won any matches, to where I am today, I have learned that there is always a next level in wrestling. It is the ultimate sport where you can never stop growing and becoming better, so I would love to compete at the level above the one I am competing at now, always.
IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE-LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH, OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?
CADDY – There are many Olympians, collegiate-level wrestlers, and people that I aspire to be like one day. The 2 people who continuously prove their amazing character are my parents. My parents are who I would like to be like one day. Ever since I started wrestling all I have to do is wrestle. I want to have my parent's selflessness and work ethic. Even though neither of my parents have ever wrestled they have the champion mindset. The mindset where they get what needs to be done without complaining, the mindset where no matter how hard the work is it gets done efficiently. This is what I aspire to have no matter where life takes me, because whether I stay in the wrestling community or not this mindset will make me successful no matter what I choose to do.
WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
CADDY – One of the many life lessons I have learned from wrestling is to take responsibility. In wrestling, you cannot blame your success or lack thereof on anybody else. Wrestling has taught me that the only person that can dictate my attitude, my performance and my effort, is me. Every day I strive to take responsibility for everything I do because of wrestling.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?
CADDY – My advice to a young wrestler wanting to be successful is to have a process-oriented mindset. It is not the outcome that shapes you as a person or wrestler but the amount of work and effort you put in to reach your goals. Wrestling isn’t about winning or losing your match, it is about the lessons you learn in your match and how you adjust to become better.
DO YOU HAVE A SAYING, MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?
CADDY – I have two personal mottos:
- #1 - Love God, Do Good, and Work Hard.
- #2 - God, Family, Wrestling.
These are my mottos because in one simple sentence, they represent the most important aspects that both a great wrestler and a person have.
ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING?
CADDY – Much like breathing, wrestling is something I just do. I need wrestling, so I can’t imagine my future life without wrestling. After I have finished competing, I would love to give back to the sport that has opened so many doors for me. I can imagine myself in a small town, much like the one I am in now, coaching young girls and boys and traveling with them, giving them a fighting chance just as my parents have tried to provide for me. The sport of wrestling needs more people who go out of their way to help younger wrestlers succeed. I would like to be a part of the change.
OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
CADDY – Outside of wrestling I enjoy working, weightlifting, and spending time with my family the most. I work 2 main jobs with some side hustles here and there. I work in construction for my uncle and I co-own an AIR-BNB with my Grandmother. Outside of those jobs, I am frequently asked to help with small jobs by older folks in my community and when I have time, I try my best to help out. I also enjoy weightlifting, I don’t do it for competition, but I do it to better myself. Last but not least I enjoy spending time with my family, my family members are my biggest supporters, and they are amazing people. I am very busy with wrestling so when I get the chance it is nice to spend time with my family.
IF PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO GROW WRESTLING AT THE GRASSROOTS AND PREP LEVELS FOR GIRLS?
CADDY – If provided the opportunity I would like to provide just that, an opportunity. I would like to help coach and run a team in the future. Although coaches cannot force their wrestlers to work hard, have a good attitude, or give maximum effort, it is important that their wrestlers are inspired to do so. Just as my coaches have done for me, I would like to provide a chance for the young female wrestlers that are in smaller towns that do not have equal opportunities to wrestle. I have already started this journey of giving back. With the additional funds I have raised, I have offered to financially sponsor younger girls during their club season. To grow women's wrestling at the grassroot and prep level sometimes you have to start one wrestler at a time.
HAVING RAISED THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO CONTINUE YOUR OPPORTUNITY ON THE MAT, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANOTHER ATHLETE FOUND IN THIS SITUATION?
CADDY - I would like to give 2 pieces of advice. #1 Be humble enough to accept help. So many members of my community outside of school have supported me. #2 Don't be discouraged by people who don't value what you value. If you want to wrestle, make it happen. Do whatever it takes, raise the money, sell cookies, work for the little old lady down the street, drive hours for practice, do it. If you love something you have to learn not to accept “NO” for an answer and come up with your own solutions. As Kelly Bartlett “The Old Bull” has said, “Sometimes you just have to do it anyways.”
CADDY’S ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE
SCHOOL: Garden Valley H.S. (Girls Division)
GRADE: 11th (Class of 2026)
WRESTLING CLUB: ALL-IN WC
WEIGHT: 126
GPA: 3.5
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
- Construction work – Building homes
- Co-owner of an AIR-BNB with my Grandmother (Financing)
- Community Service – Caretake for Seniors
WRESTLING ACCOLADES:
- 8th Annual Jaybird Memorial – 2nd Place ’25
- Rollie Lane Invitational – 4th Place ’25
- Wiley Dobbs Invitational Champion ’24
- 6th Annual Ardis Nash Memorial Champion ’24
- Idaho National Team – Fargo Nationals ’24
- Idaho Freestyle State – 3rd Place ’24
- Idaho Greco-Roman State – 4th Place ’24
- Idaho Open Champion ’24
- IHSAA District III Champion (State Qualifier) ’24
- Cradle for the Cure Tournament Champion ’24
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