Girls' high school wrestling in Northwest Indiana has experienced significant growth in recent years, with increased participation and the establishment of official tournaments.
The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) officially sanctioned girls' wrestling, leading to the inaugural State finals held at the Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis on January 17, 2025. This historic event marked the first time girls' wrestling was recognized and sanctioned by the IHSAA, putting the sport on the main stage under the IHSAA banner.
Merrillville High School stands out as the top-ranked girls' wrestling team in Indiana, according to IndianaMat. After securing a first-place finish at sectionals, Merrillville dominated Regionals with 148.5 points, claiming the Regional crown. Junior Elani Alvarez (125 lbs), Freshman Julianne Cantu (130 lbs), and Junior Charisma Lawrence (135 lbs) all placed as runners-up in their weight classes.
Joy Cantu finished the season with a 33-0 record and emerged as the State Champion at 110lbs, leading the Pirates' efforts. Additionally, the Lake County Council honored the Merrillville High School Girls Wrestling Team for being the State Dual Champions in the first-ever State-sanctioned girls' wrestling championship.
Penn High School is another standout program in the Michiana region, ranked fifth in the Top 10 Girls Dual Rankings by IndianaMat as of December 25, 2024. The team was recognized as one of the top contenders in the East Chicago Semi-State Regionals. For the 2024-25 season, Penn swept top honors in the Northern Indiana Conference (NIC). Senior Janiah Branham (155lbs) won the league title and was named NIC Most Valuable Player.
Coach Amy Hildebrandt earned NIC Coach of the Year honors. Eight Penn wrestlers earned All-NIC first-team honors, including Seniors Lillia Schlabach (100 lbs) and Branham (155 lbs), Juniors Hadie Horwarth (140 lbs) and Myleea McKay (145 lbs), Sophomores Rylen Hackett (125 lbs), Isabella Reller (135lbs), Amani Reed (170 lbs), and Freshman Aurora Schrader (115lbs).
Mishawaka High School had a strong showing at Sectionals, winning in four weight classes: Na'Leah Suggs (100 lbs), Onica Gradeless (110 lbs), Taylor Garrison (115 lbs), and Kaylee Smith (140 lbs). This quartet will be joined by Claire Powell (105 lbs), Shiayla Suggs (120 lbs), and Hope Spitaels (170 lbs) at the Regional meet, all of whom finished fourth at sectionals.
Reese Kasprzak was named 1st Team All-Duneland Athletic Conference and was the Sectional and Regional runner-up. Lake Central High School's standout senior was a state placer last year, finishing eighth at 110lbs. She's aiming for an even better placement this year.
Portage High School continues to shine in girls' wrestling, with Madisyn Mikels securing her second consecutive Regional championship. She dominated the competition, finishing with three pins.
The Valparaiso High School Girls Wrestling team has seen significant growth. Nineteen girls have competed in a match this season, substantially increasing from just three during Senior Karlie Mann's first year. Mann (28-3) is ranked number 15 at 140 lbs by IndianaMat and heads to the IHSAA inaugural State meet in Indianapolis. Her younger sister, Kaitie Krause (135 lbs), a freshman, has followed in her footsteps, going 17-13 this season.
With Merrillville leading the way as the top-ranked team in Indiana, Penn is making a strong case among the best programs, and other schools are continuing to grow. Northwest Indiana remains a powerhouse in girls' wrestling.