University of North Carolina Athletics
Sonny Santiago Talks Carolina, Family In Q&A
September 22, 2020 | Wrestling
This week, GoHeels.com sat down with Tar Heel freshman Sonny Santiago to discuss his decision to attend school in Chapel Hill and work under head coach Coleman Scott.
Santiago, a Downey, California native, won a state title at St. John Bosco High School and was a three-time Scholar Athlete of the Year Award winner.
GoHeels: Why did you choose Carolina?
Santiago: When I came for my two visits, I really didn't get to see much and came in only knowing maybe a few team members. What really attracted me was the coaching staff's goals, and how they are taking the team to the next level. In all my years of wrestling, I have never seen such a talented and driven coaching staff in D1 wrestling. The coaches are constantly improving themselves, the wrestling team, and especially me.
GH: To Carolina fans who haven't watched you wrestle, how would you describe yourself as a wrestler?
SS: For the fans that haven't watched me, I can describe myself to them as a patient wrestler. I might put you to sleep for a bit, but don't blink because I could strike at any moment.
GH: What are your hobbies outside of wrestling?
SS: My favorite things to do outside of wrestling is hanging out with friends and family and most importantly – sleeping.
GH: You are very close with your family. Can you describe that relationship and what they mean to you?
SS: I consider myself very lucky for the family I have. They have supported me and lifted me up to opportunities I never thought I could do by myself. I would not be here at Carolina if it weren't for all my family members. Everything I do here in North Carolina is my way of honoring and thanking them for what they have done for me.
GH: What are your goals here at Carolina for both yourself and the team?
SS: My goal here at North Carolina is making sure I'm a valuable team player. Whether it's on the mat, in school or in emotional support. I want to make sure everyone on the team can come to me for anything they need as well as keeping myself accountable to my responsibilities. My goal is to do my job being on the team as best as I can as well as helping others do theirs.
Throughout this preseason, follow Carolina Wrestling on Twitter and Instagram @uncwrestling for daily updates during the team's push toward the 2020-21 season.
Santiago, a Downey, California native, won a state title at St. John Bosco High School and was a three-time Scholar Athlete of the Year Award winner.
GoHeels: Why did you choose Carolina?
Santiago: When I came for my two visits, I really didn't get to see much and came in only knowing maybe a few team members. What really attracted me was the coaching staff's goals, and how they are taking the team to the next level. In all my years of wrestling, I have never seen such a talented and driven coaching staff in D1 wrestling. The coaches are constantly improving themselves, the wrestling team, and especially me.
GH: To Carolina fans who haven't watched you wrestle, how would you describe yourself as a wrestler?
SS: For the fans that haven't watched me, I can describe myself to them as a patient wrestler. I might put you to sleep for a bit, but don't blink because I could strike at any moment.
GH: What are your hobbies outside of wrestling?
SS: My favorite things to do outside of wrestling is hanging out with friends and family and most importantly – sleeping.
GH: You are very close with your family. Can you describe that relationship and what they mean to you?
SS: I consider myself very lucky for the family I have. They have supported me and lifted me up to opportunities I never thought I could do by myself. I would not be here at Carolina if it weren't for all my family members. Everything I do here in North Carolina is my way of honoring and thanking them for what they have done for me.
GH: What are your goals here at Carolina for both yourself and the team?
SS: My goal here at North Carolina is making sure I'm a valuable team player. Whether it's on the mat, in school or in emotional support. I want to make sure everyone on the team can come to me for anything they need as well as keeping myself accountable to my responsibilities. My goal is to do my job being on the team as best as I can as well as helping others do theirs.
Throughout this preseason, follow Carolina Wrestling on Twitter and Instagram @uncwrestling for daily updates during the team's push toward the 2020-21 season.
Players Mentioned
/ Wrestling
Hubert Davis Post-Georgetown Press Conference
Monday, December 08
Carolina Insider: Rapid Reactions – Men’s Basketball vs. Georgetown – December 7, 2025
Monday, December 08
UNC Men's Basketball: Wilson & Veesaar Lead 81-61 Win Over Hoyas
Monday, December 08
UNC Women's Basketball: Tar Heels Take Down Terriers, 82-40
Sunday, December 07