Dani Zhanay is the girl who really does it all. As her senior year is underway, Zhanay is proving why she is such an asset to the varsity wrestling team. Since her sophomore year, she has dominated her weight class, and her performance in matches shows just how powerful she is. Zhanay is the first female captain on the Lynbrook wrestling team.
Since Zhanay’s early years, she has always had an interest in wrestling. She said, “My interest in wrestling began when my parents introduced me to the sport to challenge me both mentally and physically.” Her wrestling career was set into motion when she joined the Lynbrook Titans Youth Wrestling Club. While in elementary school, Zhanay began wrestling with the Lynbrook Titans, launching a decade-long competitive career. In sixth grade, which was only her second year of wrestling competitively, Zhanay ranked first in New York State. Competing consistently in pre-high school years in the state level tournaments, stance control, fundamental takedowns, and conditioning gave her the skills she uses in her matches today.
Zhanay’s pure domination proved why she belonged on the varsity team as not only being the only girl but also being an underclassman – a sophomore – on the team. “The adjustment to being the only girl on the team was tough at first. I proved my place through effort and consistency. The coaches were outstanding and made me feel comfortable from day one. They taught me technique and guided me through each stage of training. They treated me with respect and held me to the same standards as everyone else. Over time, the team became my family, some I can even call my closest friends. They pushed me, respected me, and treated me as one of their own. I am proud to have been a part of the Lynbrook wrestling organization,” she said. Throughout her high school years, she has been the recipient of multiple awards such as All-County Honors, All Conference, Women’s Night Classic Champion, and fourth place in the Section VIII Girls’ Championships. None of these awards came easy for Zhanay; she worked for them physically and mentally by honing her skills.
Varsity wrestling coach Matthew Renz expressed how he admires Zhanay for her amazing skills and ability to be the only girl on the team: “Zhanay has shown that she is someone who can be an inspiration to everyone around her. For the past few years, being the only girl practicing, Zhanay is still a leader in the wrestling room. She is a true inspiration to all girls in the Lynbrook Titans Wrestling Program who can one day see themselves in her position. Working hard at every practice and with her outside wrestling programs, she shows a dedication that I think every wrestler can emulate in their own training. Technically, she is one of the most talented wrestlers that we have on our team, and she follows that up with having a strong mindset for wrestling. When she faces a challenge, it motivates her to perform better and work harder, something that is essential to be a successful wrestler.”
When Zhanay is not wrestling, she can be found doing many things to keep her prepared and ready for the winter. Zhanay is a three-sport varsity athlete, including captain of the varsity kickline team and a member of the girls’ varsity soccer team. Varsity kickline coach Danielle Goodwin said, “Zhanay has consistently stood out as a leader on our team because of her work ethic, maturity, and ability to motivate others. As a three-sport varsity athlete, she brings a level of dedication and competitiveness that sets the tone for her peers. As the captain of kickline, she leads by example, balancing high expectations with encouragement, positivity, and respect. Her teammates look to her because she is reliable, organized, and always willing to put in the extra effort to help the group succeed. She is also a conscientious student who takes her responsibilities seriously, stays organized, and always follows through. She truly sets the tone for the group, and that makes her stand out as a leader.” Not only is she a leader on the wrestling mat, but she is the Key Club president, and she has also been a Classnight chairperson for her grade.
Zhanay has become a role model for young girls interested in wrestling, and her success in a male-dominated sport reiterates the point that if one really puts his/her mind to something, there are no limits. Zhanay added, “Training in a male-dominated space pushed me harder and shaped my mindset and drive.” In addition to her own wrestling career, she provides mentorship to younger female wrestlers assisting with technique refinement and tournament readiness.
Zhanay has left a significant mark on Lynbrook wrestling. She is an inspiration and has become a role model to young and upcoming female wrestlers. Zhanay has helped in taking a step forward to creating gender equality in sports.
