Balancing Mind and Muscle: UA Little Rock Wrestler Stephen Little’s Journey to Graduation
As he prepares to graduate this fall, Stephen Little has proven that success at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is as much about mental focus as it is physical strength.
A senior psychology major and standout Little Rock Trojans wrestler, Little is entering his fourth season on the mat with an impressive 60-12 record and two All-American honors. But beyond his athletic accolades, he’s equally proud of what he’s accomplished in the classroom.
“I chose to major in psychology because I want to go to physical therapy school after I graduate,” Little said. “I spend a lot of time in the training room keeping my body healthy for wrestling, so learning more about how people think, feel, and stay motivated connects really well with understanding recovery and performance.”
For Little, psychology and wrestling go hand in hand. He’s learned to apply lessons from his coursework directly to his performance on the mat — from understanding how the brain processes stress to staying composed during high-pressure matches.
“Studying psychology has taught me a lot about how people handle pressure and emotion,” he said. “Everyone gets butterflies or nerves because we’re all human. What matters is finding your own way to deal with them. For me, I just focus on preparation and trust the work I’ve put in.”
Being a Division I athlete while maintaining academic excellence isn’t easy, but Little credits consistency and discipline for keeping him on track.
“After long practices or lifts, it can be tough to find motivation to study or do assignments,” he said. “But I’ve learned that discipline matters more than motivation. I have goals I want to achieve, so I remind myself that staying consistent in both wrestling and school is what will get me there.”
That steady mindset has paid off. Over four years, he’s not only earned national recognition but also become a leader for younger teammates — someone who models what it means to compete and excel with integrity. Reflecting on his time at UA Little Rock, Little said the experience has changed him profoundly.
“I’ve had a big mindset change since my freshman year,” he said. “I’ve grown in my discipline, leadership, and time management. Balancing everything has made me more mature and helped me develop habits that I’ll carry with me long after wrestling.”
After graduation, Little plans to attend physical therapy school while continuing to pursue his dream of making the Olympic or World Team.
“Psychology will definitely help me in both areas,” he said. “Whether it’s understanding athletes I work with as a PT or staying mentally strong through my own training and goals.”
When asked about his most meaningful experience as a Trojan, Little points to a single match that defined his career.
“One of the most meaningful moments for me was the first time I earned All-American honors,” he said. “It was a close match that went into overtime, and I got the takedown to win. Seeing my coaches, parents, and teammates after that match was amazing — it made all the hard work and sacrifices feel worth it.”
As commencement approaches, Little said earning his degree is more than just crossing a finish line — it’s proof of how far he’s come.
“Earning my degree means that all the hard work paid off and I’m one step closer to my goals,” he said. “It represents years of commitment and growth, both on and off the mat, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”