After fighting to become a sanctioned sport in the state of Indiana for years, girls wrestling had its inaugural IHSAA season this winter.
Girls wrestling has existed at NC for years, participants wrestling with the boys team. They competed against other schools and even in a state tournament, but these accomplishments were not recognized by IHSAA. Now, girls wrestling have implanted themselves in IHSAA history.
In it’s first season, girls wrestling had a successful run, winning tournaments like MIC and even being represented in the State competition. Head coach Steven Geer and volunteer coach Elijah Bailey accompanied junior Jaleese Taylor, Junior Monica Alvarado and freshman Rachel Adolphe to the Corteva Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds.
The team placed ninth overall with a total of 46 points.
Both Geer and Bailey were proud of the team this year. They battled adversity throughout the season and did what they needed to do.
With changes in the coaching staff and other struggles, Bailey was incredibly grateful to the team.
“Coming in the final three weeks and coaching these girls brought a lot of emotions up,” Bailey said. “Getting to coach at state with two girls placing and one state champion was exciting. All the girls were ready, working hard, and placed ninth; that’s wild. It was very emotional for me.”
While many of the girls have experience in wrestling, especially in a state competition environment, this season was also special to them.
Taylor has wrestled since her first year of high school, qualifying as a freshman in 2023. She is one of many other girls to have wrestled with the boys wrestling team.
This trip to the state competition was different from her first. She was among only girl wrestlers and broke the placing barrier this year, finishing eighth in the 190 lbs weight class.
“It was very crowded, and my whole team was there even if they didn’t make it,” Taylor said. “It was something I’ve never experienced before because the first state I went to was much smaller.”
With a final record of 16-10 on the season, Taylor is grateful for the support she received.
“The whole team was supportive and always there,” Taylor said. “My practice partner, my coaches, and the whole school giving us shoutouts helped as well.”
Taylor remains humble, with goals to improve and make it to state her senior year.
Alvarado loved her experience this year. Qualifying for state last year, it wasn’t her first rodeo.
“It honestly felt official,” Alvarado said. “It was the first girls state. It went a lot faster and was much more organized than last year. I’ve improved greatly since last year and want to get my name out there.”
Alvarado placed fourth in the 110 lbs weight class.
Alvarado plans to continue wrestling next year, hoping to improve her placement. She ended her season with a final record of 16-3.
“I would like to thank my coaches, Coach Bailey and Geer, for always pushing me,” Alvarado said. “And, of course, my wrestling partner Victoria.”
Adolphe placed first in the state championship in the 235-lb weight class. With a final record of 34-1, she appreciates those who helped her on her journey to the tournament.
“It was great,” Aldolphe said. “I watched the videos, and the support and cheering were amazing.”
Adolphe thanked her coach and her middle school coaches from New Augusta for introducing her to the sport.
Despite being named the first-ever girls wrestling champion in her weight class, Adolphe feels no different after the competition.
“It feels normal,” Aldolphe said. “I expected it from myself.”
Creating a legacy within its first official year, girls wrestling has become a strong and competitive sport at NC. The team is excited to return next year and reach another state competition.
