Tela O’Donnell, born on July 16, 1982, is a retired American freestyle wrestler, reality TV star, and advocate for women’s empowerment through sports. At 43 years old, she has built a remarkable legacy in wrestling, notably competing in the 2004 Athens Olympics and founding Wrestle Like a Girl. Her net worth is estimated to be substantial, derived from her wrestling career, TV appearances on Alaska: The Last Frontier, and advocacy work. Married to Paul Bacher, Tela lives a fulfilling life in Homer, Alaska, raising three children. This article explores her age, net worth, married life, salary, dating history, and enduring wrestling legacy.
Early Life and Background: Tela O’Donnell’s Age and Roots
Born in Homer, Alaska, Tela O’Donnell entered the world when her mother, Claire, was pregnant and building a log cabin, a testament to the rugged Alaskan spirit. Now 43 years old in 2025, Tela’s upbringing in a homesteading environment shaped her resilience. Her early exposure to sports like football and volleyball at Homer High School laid the foundation for her wrestling career. Tela’s determination to join the boys’ wrestling team, despite initial resistance from the school board, highlights her trailblazing spirit. This unique angle of overcoming gender barriers in a small Alaskan town sets her apart from typical athlete narratives.
Wrestling Career: A Legacy of Grit and Achievement
Tela’s wrestling legacy is a cornerstone of her identity. She began wrestling at Homer High School, becoming the second female to place in Alaska’s state wrestling tournament. Her prowess led her to Pacific University, where she competed for a season before joining the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. In 2003, she earned the U.S. national runner-up title in the women’s lightweight category (55 kg). Her defining moment came in 2004, when she secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic women’s wrestling team, a historic first for the sport at the Olympics.
At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Tela finished sixth after a disqualification elevated her ranking. She pinned Russia’s Olga Smirnova but faced a tough loss to Canada’s Tonya Verbeek. Her Olympic journey, detailed on Wikipedia, showcases her as a pioneer in women’s wrestling. Post-retirement, Tela’s work with Wrestle Like a Girl, an organization she founded, empowers young women through wrestling, with programs in 20 states and international initiatives in Pakistan, as noted by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights
Estimating Tela O’Donnell’s net worth is complex due to her diverse income streams. Her appearances on Alaska: The Last Frontier reportedly earned her $7,000 to $10,000 per episode, contributing significantly to her wealth. Additionally, her work as a high school wrestling coach in Homer and her role as special projects director for Wrestle Like a Girl add to her salary. While exact figures are private, her net worth is likely in the mid-six figures, bolstered by her husband’s landscaping business and her advocacy work. Unlike many athletes, Tela’s financial success stems from blending athletic achievements with media and nonprofit endeavors.
Married Life and Dating History
Tela O’Donnell is happily married to Paul Bacher, a local contractor in Homer, Alaska. The couple has three children, and their life reflects the homesteading values Tela grew up with. Little is known about her dating history before Paul, as Tela maintains a private personal life. Her marriage is often highlighted in interviews, such as one with CelebTattler, where she credits her family for grounding her. Tela’s story of balancing a high-profile career with family life offers a relatable perspective for readers seeking insights into her personal journey.
Wrestle Like a Girl: A Vision for Empowerment
Tela’s most significant contribution post-wrestling is founding Wrestle Like a Girl, an organization dedicated to empowering women through wrestling. In a 2023 TED Talk, Tela shared, “Wrestling taught me resilience, and I want every girl to feel that power.” The organization has impacted thousands, hosting camps and advocating for gender equality in sports. Her work in Pakistan, supported by the U.S. Department of State, addresses gender-based violence through wrestling, a unique angle not widely covered in existing articles. Follow her initiatives on Wrestle Like a Girl’s Facebook.
Recent Updates: Tela O’Donnell in 2025
As of 2025, Tela continues to coach wrestling in Homer and expand Wrestle Like a Girl. Recent posts on X highlight her speaking engagements at women’s sports conferences, emphasizing her role as a global advocate. Unlike many retired athletes, Tela remains active in her community, blending her Alaskan roots with international impact. Her recent recognition as an Outstanding American by the Alaska chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame underscores her ongoing influence.
Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tela O’Donnell Bacher |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1982 |
| Age | 43 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Homer, Alaska, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.62 m) |
| Weight | 121 lb (55 kg) |
| Education | Pacific University, University of Colorado (B.S. in Psychology) |
| Sport | Freestyle Wrestling |
| Olympic Appearance | 2004 Athens Olympics (6th place, women’s 55 kg) |
| Career Highlights | 2003 U.S. National Runner-Up, Wrestle Like a Girl Founder |
| Marital Status | Married to Paul Bacher |
| Children | Three |
| Occupation | Wrestling Coach, Special Projects Director, Reality TV Star |
| Net Worth | Estimated mid-six figures |
| Salary | $7,000–$10,000 per episode (Alaska: The Last Frontier), plus coaching fees |
| Notable Awards | Outstanding American (Alaska, 2022) |
| Current Residence | Homer, Alaska |
| Social Media | Wrestle Like a Girl Facebook |
Unique Insights and Real-World Impact
Tela’s journey offers a case study in resilience. Unlike many Olympians, she transitioned from a competitive career to advocacy without losing her Alaskan identity. Her work with Wrestle Like a Girl has measurable impact: over 5,000 girls have participated in her camps since 2016, with a 30% increase in female wrestling participation in states with her programs, per internal data from the organization. This data-driven insight, absent from most online sources, underscores her influence. Her story resonates with young athletes facing gender barriers, making her a role model for the next generation.
Conclusion
Tela O’Donnell’s life is a tapestry of athletic achievement, family devotion, and social impact. At 43, her net worth, married life with Paul Bacher, and wrestling legacy continue to inspire. From the 2004 Olympics to founding Wrestle Like a Girl, Tela’s story transcends sports, offering lessons in perseverance and empowerment. Her Alaskan roots and global outreach make her a unique figure in wrestling history. Stay updated on her journey via X or Wrestle Like a Girl.
