Meet Aaron Silva: Record Setting CdM Wrestler wins CIF 3 Times

Jun 3

Wrestler Aaron Silva is the first athlete from Corona del Mar High School to become a CIF Champion three years in a row. The four-time All-American also placed at the State Championship this year as a senior. Making history was a family affair, as Head Coach AJ Silva is his brother. Additionally, their brother Andrew Silva is on the coaching staff.

Although Aaron has been around the sport since he was a young child due to his brothers’ involvement, he didn’t start wrestling until 7th grade. The 18-year-old fought through numerous challenges this year, including injuries, but was determined to become the first athlete at CdM to achieve three CIF Championships.

We wanted to find out more about his championship journey, his supportive family, and what’s next. Here is our Q & A with Aaron Silva.

NCL: Describe this year's journey to the CIF Championship and how it compared to previous years.

AS: I entered this season as a two-time CIF champion, still carrying the disappointment of being upset in the semifinals the year before. That loss stayed with me. It fueled a deeper sense of determination—not only to get what was mine, but to make history as the first three-time CIF champion in school history.

I aced multiple setbacks throughout the season, beginning with a broken hand one week before the Orange County All-Star Match, followed by a torn MCL and ACL (in my knee) five days prior to the state tournament. Additionally, I made the difficult decision to compete in a lower weight class that I had not wrestled in for over two years. It required a lot of sacrifice.

These injuries tested both my confidence and my expectations for my senior season. I remained determined to persevere and make the most of my final year. This year demanded more resilience than ever before. Wrestling not only tests physical ability but also requires significant mental toughness, and this season reinforced the importance of both. I really feel everything happens for a reason and without last season’s loss at CIF I would not have wrestled so fearlessly this season.

NCL: What were the criteria and process to qualify for state competition?

AS: To qualify for state competition, wrestlers must place in the top four at league, top five at CIF, and top five at the Southern Section Masters meet. Each stage becomes progressively more competitive, narrowing the field to the best of the best.

NCL: Describe the experience at the State Championship.

AS: This was my fourth time qualifying for the state tournament, so I was familiar with the crowd, media attention and the physical toll. Over three demanding days of wrestling, weight cuts and high-level competition, I stayed mentally prepared. Before each match, I reminded myself that a win meant a spot on the podium, while a loss would end both my tournament and senior season. The placing match was bittersweet, as it was against my best friend. One of us would place, while the other faced a long drive home empty-handed. Having fallen short at this stage in previous years, I was determined to finish differently and honor the sacrifices I had made. After securing my placement, I carried that momentum forward, defeating opponents who had previously beaten me, including one from the week prior when I had injured my leg. Although the moment was meaningful, the pace and intensity of the tournament required me to keep my blinders on for the matches that followed later that day.

NCL: Tell us about your accomplishments.

AS: My accomplishments in this sport include:

Four-time League placer
Three-time League Champion
Four-time All-County
Four-time CIF placer
Three-time CIF Champion
Four-time State Qualifier
One-time State Placer
Four-time National All-American

These achievements highlight the high level of competition in California, where, even as a multiple-time All-American, earning a place at the state level remains exceptionally challenging.

NCL: What do you enjoy most about this team?

AS: I really enjoy how close everyone is and how we can separate work from fun. Being surrounded by hardworking individuals only makes you want to work harder. We have a young team, so it was fun leading them and proving that you can win from Corona del Mar.

NCL: What's the best thing about being on this journey with your brother?

AS: He has always been in my corner. Both of my older brothers actually coached on staff this year, and it was awesome to have both of them in my ear throughout the season. Even if they were not physically present, I continued to rely on their guidance and look to them for support during matches.

NCL: How has being part of a wrestling family influenced you?

AS: It had a significant influence on me, shaping me into both a better wrestler and a better person. Watching my brothers compete really drove me to strive for excellence, and their constant support and accountability helped me navigate the ups and downs of this sport. Having mentors who had experienced similar challenges reinforced that success requires resilience, discipline and a strong work ethic.

NCL: How did having an injury challenge your ability to qualify and compete at state?

AS: My injuries challenged me both physically and mentally, creating a lot of uncertainty about my ability to compete with the best competition. A broken hand and limited mobility in my knee affected certain positions, requiring me to adjust my approach to protect myself from further injury while still performing at a high level. Not to mention still having to diet week after week. Losing at least 10 pounds is hard when you cannot run or bike. I knew the physical pain I was experiencing would not compare to the pain I would feel if I failed to achieve my goal of becoming a California state placer. I know my future self will be proud looking back on it when I have kids.

NCL: Do you have a mentor or someone who inspires you?

AS: I have been fortunate to be guided by several mentors, especially my grandparents, my brothers and my mother. My brothers have lifted me up during difficult moments, my grandpa instilled a work ethic into me, and my mom has been a constant example of hard work, dedication and resilience. Her commitment to prioritizing our family has inspired me to give my best and work hard for those around me, in appreciation of the time and effort they have invested in helping me succeed.

NCL: What's your favorite subject in school?

AS: My favorite subject is Economics because I really enjoy learning how the market works and how I can invest in my future.

NCL: How do you manage your time to be at the top in your sport while balancing academics?

AS: I would manage my time by making sure I finished most of my homework during lunch at school so I could focus 100% on wrestling the rest of the day. It was difficult, but nothing compares to the struggles my mom went through for me.

NCL: What do you like to do to unwind?

AS: When I unwind, I don’t want to think about wrestling. I really enjoy hanging out with friends, playing hacky sack and going to the beach.

NCL: Favorite meal?

AS: I love pasta. Hands down, it’s my favorite meal.

NCL: Favorite music?

AS: My favorite genres of music are R & B and rap, my favorite song is “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele, especially before my matches, as ironic as that sounds.

NCL: What’s next?

AS: I’m hoping to wrestle at a 4-year university at the D1 level with other highly skilled wrestlers. I have been going on a few in-state and out-of-state visits. I am still trying to figure out where the best fit is.