Help Nina Wrestle Her Way to the World Stage!

Help Nina Wrestle Her Way to the World Stage!

Hi! I’m Nina Makem, a second-generation immigrant, first-generation collegiate athlete alum, and rising senior-level freestyle wrestler chasing my dream of making the Senior World Team and one day competing at the Olympics. Wrestling has transformed my life, and now I’m asking for your support to keep the dream alive.

From WWE to Team USA

I grew up in a big family watching WWE, imagining myself being on TV, flying off ropes in wild costumes. That changed when I joined my high school wrestling team and discovered real grit, pain, and perseverance. I kept showing up even when it was hard.

At Minnesota Storm, I trained alongside national-level athletes before I was even a U.S. citizen, fighting to prove I belonged. There were times I felt overlooked, outmatched, or unsure if I’d ever get the chance to compete on the big stage. But I kept showing up. I battled injuries, financial stress, and moments of doubt. I carried that same grit to Augsburg University, where I wrestled, worked jobs, and kept up with school, often running on little sleep and a lot of faith. It wasn’t easy, but in 2025, I became a first-generation college graduate with a degree in Exercise Science.

The journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been mine. Through every high and low, I held onto the truth in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Now, I’m continuing to pursue my dream, competing at the senior level and pushing for the world stage, trusting that everything happens for a reason.

Career Highlights

2025 U23 Pan-Am Champion – Gold medalist for Team USA in Mexico

3x U23 World Team Member (2023–2025)

2023 U20 World Team Member

4x Collegiate All-American

Winningest Women’s Wrestler in Augsburg University History

Graduated in 2025 with a degree in Exercise Science and minor in Physical Education

Fundraising Goal: $7,235

Your donation supports travel, training, and competition for:

Summer 2025

U23 National Team Camps (Colorado Springs)

Poland Open (Warsaw, August)

Fall 2025–Spring 2026

Bill Farrell Tournament (NYC)

U.S. Open

World Team Trials

Emergency & Travel Cushion

What Your Support Covers

Your donation directly supports:

✈️ Airfare for international and domestic competitions

Lodging, meals, and training costs

Ground transportation

Recovery and athletic support

This isn’t just about one tournament; it’s about helping a young woman represent Team USA, advance her education, and give back as a future registered dietitian supporting athletes and underserved populations.

Help Support My Journey

I’m incredibly grateful for any support, whether through a donation or by sharing this with others. Every bit helps me stay focused on training and competing at my best while giving back to the next generation.

As a second-generation Cameroonian immigrant and first-generation college graduate, I know what it means to push through challenges. From earning my citizenship to chasing world-level goals, I’ve worked hard to show what’s possible. I’ve coached at Fargo and led camps, and I’ll continue to mentor and inspire young athletes to believe in themselves and keep showing up. I want to show young athletes that it is possible to rise through hard work, faith, and dedication.

Thank you so much for your time, kindness, and belief in my journey.

Let’s chase greatness together.

With gratitude,

Nina Makem ‍