For Beau Bartlett, wrestling at Penn State is just the beginning of a dynamic journey that extends well beyond the mat. Alongside wrestling at Penn State, Bartlett juggles a handful of other niches, including maintaining an All-Academic GPA, being a teaching assistant for a biological science class, and managing a significant online presence.
With a combined total of 164,000 followers on Instagram, Bartlett showcases not only his wrestling achievements but also engages his audience with entertaining challenges, featuring videos of flips, tricks, exercises, and instructive "how-to" content.
When the Nittany Lions are out of season, in addition to his off-season training, Bartlett capitalizes on his substantial following to collaborate with both a broad audience and various brands, enhancing his online presence alongside his wrestling pursuits.
"Out of season, I can spend a lot more time on social media," said Barlett. "I like making videos; I like doing flips and all the things I really enjoy doing without a camera, I just do it with a camera now. And by doing that, it gives me a platform showcase and build my own brand and collaborate with others."
Beyond his wrestling career, Bartlett finds that with social media, there are plenty of opportunities for him once he is no longer a Penn State wrestler.
"When I'm not actively wrestling, I'll try to take full advantage of my social media presence," said Barlett. "I enjoy being in front of the camera, creating content, and engaging with my followers. There are so many opportunities out there—WWE, Hollywood, YouTube, you name it. I'll explore them and see where it takes me."
Despite his demanding wrestling schedule, Bartlet excels academically as a psychology major. He emphasizes the importance of choosing classes he enjoys and putting in the effort to succeed in both wrestling and academics.
"I think it was just deciding to give my best effort in school, and I've seen success in wrestling, social media, wherever," said Barlett. "I thought, why not give it my all academically, too? It's hard work, but if I don't try, it's not going to work. These past few years, I've made a concerted effort to maximize everything I do, academically, athletically, all of it."
In addition to majoring in psychology, managing his growing social media, and being an elite wrestler, Bartlett is also a teaching assistant for a biological sciences course.
"I've got 13 students, and it's been a rewarding experience guiding them through the lessons and reflecting on the week's progress," said Barlett. "Teaching and interacting with the students are things I find really cool and fulfilling."
His time at a prep school during high school played a significant role in helping him develop strong time management skills, which were consistently emphasized. For Barlett, the transition to college mirrored this experience to some extent, as it required balancing sports, practice, academics, and personal life—essentially, managing all aspects of his daily routine.
However, Bartlett admitted that navigating the transition to college wrestling proved to be a challenging endeavor. He faced initial setbacks that tested his confidence and resilience, but through hard work and believing in himself, he persevered.
"I had a lot of success growing up, but once I got to college, I struggled with my confidence," said Bartlett. "I lost almost every close match, which was a shock to my system. I was used to winning, and it was tough to handle."
During those formative early years in college, Bartlett confronted adversity head-on. The initial setbacks not only challenged him on the wrestling mat but also forced him to reevaluate his approach and mindset. It was a period of self-discovery and growth that ultimately shaped the wrestler and person he has become today.
"I worked on my mental game and believed in myself," said Barlett. "Things started to fall into place, and I learned the value of resilience. It's not just a wrestling thing; it's a life thing. Letting go of what I can't control has been a valuable lesson, both on and off the mat."
With the upcoming season, Bartlett's personal goals for the season include breaking down mental barriers, competing at his best, and aiming for the ultimate goal of becoming the best wrestler in the country and the world.
"Winning is the ultimate goal, but I also want to appreciate the journey and trust the process," said Bartlett. "I'm aiming to become the best wrestler in the country and the world, and I'll keep working towards that goal."
