East County Athlete of the Week: Francesca Bisordi

Francesca Bisordi is a sophomore wrestler on the Lakewood Ranch High girls varsity wrestling team. Bisordi, who started wrestling for the first time when the program was created last year, has been on a tear in 2025. This season, she is 12-1 with a win in he 170-pound division of the Queen of the Island tournament at Venice High on Jan. 18. She defeated Parrish Community High's Isabella Montanaro by decision, 4-0, in the championship match. 

When did you start wrestling and why?

I started last year because my brother, Thomas, was a senior on the boys’ team and told me that Lakewood Ranch was starting a girls team and that I should join. I decided to take his advice and now it’s my favorite thing to do.

What’s the appeal?

I like everything about it. I love the actual wrestling and fighting part of it, but I also enjoy just being part of the team. I like having something in my life that I’m constantly working on to improve. 

What's your best skill on the mat?

I’m pretty good at throws, especially when I use my opponent’s momentum and body weight to create a takedown.

What are you working on to improve?

I’m trying to improve my shooting and how I attack my opponents. I want to shoot more often and take better shots when I do attack. 

What’s going right for your team this season?

I’ve been winning most of my matches and have been enjoying it more than I did last season, because I’m better at it. I’m a more much intense wrestler this year. I wrestled at the open mats here at Lakewood Ranch all throughout the offseason and it’s helped a lot. 

What’s your favorite wrestling memory?

I’d say winning my first match last season. It took me a while to even win a match, it felt like I’d lost every single one for such a long time, so when I finally won, it felt amazing. 

What’s your favorite food?

Fruit. Strawberries are probably my favorite out of all of them. 

What’s your favorite movie or television show?

That’s a tough one. I’m re-watching season four of “Stranger Things” right now. I can’t wait until season five comes out.

What’s your favorite school subject?

Surprisingly algebra. I’ve always hated math, but for some reason this year I’m actually good at algebra. Either that or AP Seminar.

What are your hobbies?

Wrestling has turned into the main thing that I do outside of school. I just can't get enough of it. When I’m not wrestling, which isn’t often, I like to go to the gym and hang out with my friends. 

What's the best advice that you've received?

To stay determined even if you’re not motivated to do something. 

Finish this sentence. Francesca Bisordi is…

Competitive.