Noelvis Caraballo Fabre was born on August 14, 1979, in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. From a young age, he was drawn to the world of wrestling. At just five years old, he stepped onto the mat for the first time, and by the age of seven, he was already competing in provincial tournaments. His natural talent quickly became evident when he secured first place in the Greco-Roman style and second place in freestyle. Recognizing his potential, he was promoted to the prestigious EIDE (School of Sports Initiation) at the age of ten.
As he progressed through the ranks, Noelvis carved out an impressive career. In 1991, at just eleven years old, he became Cuba’s National Pioneers Champion. Over the next several years, he earned multiple medals in national school competitions, dominating the youth category and eventually claiming the title of National Youth Champion. His dedication and relentless work ethic led him to become a five-time National Senior Champion in Cuba, solidifying his reputation as one of the country’s elite wrestlers. His excellence on the mat earned him a coveted spot on Cuba’s National Youth Team, where he represented his country for six years.
After an accomplished competitive career, Noelvis transitioned into coaching, bringing with him a deep understanding of the sport and an unwavering commitment to developing future champions. His coaching journey began in 2002 at the Provincial Wrestling Academy of Ciego de Ávila. By 2005, he returned to the place where it all started—EIDE “Marina Samuel Noble”—this time, not as a student, but as a mentor to young athletes. For the next three years, he led the 11-13 age group, consistently producing top-tier wrestlers and securing top-three finishes in national championships.
His exceptional coaching did not go unnoticed. In 2008, Noelvis was selected for an international assignment in Venezuela, where he worked until 2011. There, he played a crucial role in developing young wrestlers, including an athlete who would go on to become a Cadet (ages 15-16) Central American Champion. Upon returning to Cuba in 2011, he resumed his work in the school category, guiding his teams to four consecutive national championship finals, finishing as runners-up each time.
In 2017, he was called back to Venezuela, this time as the head coach of the National Youth Wrestling Team in Táchira. Over the next two years, he led his athletes to multiple successes, further cementing his legacy as a transformative coach. When he returned to Cuba in 2020, he once again took up his position at EIDE, where his teams continued to rank among the top three in national competitions.
Then, in December 2022, Noelvis embarked on a new chapter in his life, moving to Louisville, Kentucky. Adjusting to a new country and language was a challenge, but his love for wrestling remained unwavering. He soon found himself working alongside Mike at the University of Louisville, where he was introduced to Ned Shuck—a mentor and friend who welcomed him into the local wrestling community.
Since then, Noelvis has been actively involved with the RTC club, assisting wherever needed. In 2023, he worked closely with university wrestlers aged 20-23, helping prepare them for competition in Las Vegas, where they achieved strong results in Greco-Roman wrestling. Though his night job limits his availability, he remains dedicated to the sport, attending club practices whenever possible.
With over two decades of coaching experience, Noelvis Caraballo Fabre continues to inspire and develop athletes, passing on his deep knowledge and passion for wrestling to the next generation.
