2024 California (CIF) Girls State Championships Recap
Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
by Dan Glenn
BAKERSFIELD, CA – After the conclusion of the CIF State championship matches, I stood on the floor of the Mechanics Bank Arena and couldn’t help but appreciate the interactions I was seeing between wrestlers from all over California, many of them eagerly waiting to take their place on the podium and receive their medals. What struck me was the common bond these young athletes shared. Not just the teammates enjoying the moment, or the euphoric medalists, but those who understood the pain of disappointment, of goals left unmet, and for the seniors, the realization that these were the final moments of their high school wrestling careers. Whatever emotion they were feeling that Saturday night, it came at a cost which will forever reward them with the understanding that life’s sweetest experiences are the ones you work the hardest for. The various emotions being felt throughout the arena were the collimation of years of training, years of dreaming, and sacrifices only some athletes understand. In the end, fourteen girls became state champions, some for the second and third time, adding their names to the exclusive list of outstanding female champions from California.
List of 2024 California State Champions
100: Jillian Wells (11)
105: Anaya Falcon (12)
110: Deandra Meza (11)
115: Isabella Marie Gonzales (11)
120: Alejandra Valdiviezo (12)
125: Christina Osorio (12)
130: Yzabella Austin (10)
135: Danica Kelley (12)
140: Faith Bartoszek (12)
145: Delarie Juarez (11)
155: Duda Rodrigues (12)
170: Leilani Lemus (10)
190: Juliana Marquez (11)
235: Gemma Templeman (12)
NOTEWORTHY STORIES & PERFORMANCES
Jillian Wells – Good Under Pressure
Jillian Wells, 100 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
Last year Jillian Wells introduced herself by advancing from eighth seed to earning a spot in Finals to face a very tough opponent in Brenda Nunez, whom she put to the test. While she fell just short of her goal against Nunez, all eyes would be on Wells this year as a favorite to win at the newly adjusted 100lb weight class. Jillian Wells did not disappoint. Her defining moment of the weekend would come in her semi-final match against Buchanan freshman, Christina Estrada, who was relentless in her effort to take Well’s spot in Finals later that night. Estrada put Wells to the test immediately and after scoring two take downs on the 100lb top-seed and ending the first round 4-1, I thought I saw a momentary look of concern on the face of Jillian Wells. To her credit, Jillian proved that she’s good under pressure. Round two was as entertaining as it gets with Wells battling back and getting the best of a flurry of scrambles between the two outstanding wrestlers. Up by one point going into round three, Wells secured a leg-cradle during an awkward scramble and used the move to contort the freshman on to her back where she won the match by fall, punching her ticket to CIF Finals for the second time.
Under the spotlight she would meet Lily Dizon, an impressive freshman in her own right and one of two girls who made it to Finals from Pitman High School. Jillian’s Finals match against Dizon was much more conservative than her previous contest. The two San Joaquin Section finalists remained on their feet all of round one, perhaps aware of each other’s favorite attacks. Round two would begin with Jillian Wells in her strongest position, top, where she’s excellent at finding creative ways to score on her opponents. It would be Dizon though who was awarded the first point when officials penalized Wells for an illegal leg lock. Undeterred, Jillian would go right back to high pressure leg riding, keeping Lily busy defending. Eventually the score would be tied, 1-1, after a stalling call on bottom. Despite her inability to escape, Dizon showed amazing defense against the highly skilled returning finalist. Round three would see a bit more action as Wells was able to break free of Dizon’s holds mid-way through the round to take the lead, 2-1. Jillian didn’t slow down, but rather pressured her opponent with multiple take-down attempts, which were all defended by Dizon. With just seconds remaining, Dizon shot-in on Wells and appeared to injure herself as Wells used the opportunity to score a take down just before the final whistle. It would be a 4-1 victory and first ever CIF State Title for Central Catholic Junior, Jillian Wells.
Anaya Falcon – Make that Three CIF Titles Please!
Anaya Falcon, 105 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
Anaya’s third trip to the CIF State Finals almost seemed certain from the start as the two-time State Champ entered the tournament with a perfect CIF high school record of 114-0. That assurance would be challenged when she met Grace Davis High School junior, Jazmine Turner in their semi-final bout. Falcon, ranked number two in the Nation, is used to controlling the pace of her matches, but in the second round of action, Jazmine Turner surprised onlookers, putting Falcon on the defensive and behind in score for the first time this season. With seconds left in the round, Falcon would roll out of Turner’s grasp and score an escape point to tie the match, 3-3. Falcon chose bottom position and was able to score two reverse points quickly taking a 5-3 lead at the start of the third and final round. Just when things were looking up for Falcon, she was hit with a second stalling call right as she cut Turner loose, giving her opponent two points rather than the one she accounted for. This turn of events left both wrestlers in a desperate hunt to score with just a minute left in the match. It would be Falcon who would find a takedown just as the pair went out of bounds. Turner, who was once again down by two, was able to break away from Falcon with thirty-five seconds left, closing the gap 7-6. Despite her efforts, Jazmine would not be able to secure any additional points on the crafty champion. Falcon looked relieved after winning the closest match she’s had in a very long time.
Several hours later Falcon would appear rejuvenated as she took the mat during Finals against the second seed and last year’s third place CIF State medalist, Olivia Lopez. Perhaps emboldened by her semi-finals victory or possibly feeding off the energy from the thousands now cheering in attendance, Falcon’s confidence was on display throughout the entire match. Lopez didn’t seem phased by the energy of Falcon and despite the confidence and scoring attempts from both wrestlers, round one would end scoreless. In round two Falcon turned up the heat, scoring an escape and following it up with a powerful blast-double resulting in Olivia fighting off her back for a total of five additional points for the champion, 6-0. Lopez choosing neutral position meant she would look to set up her own offense in the final round in hopes of balancing out the score. Olivia nearly found an opportunity when she pressured into the champion attempting to secure a single leg, but sensing the move, Falcon would spin-out and fall behind the challenger at the edge of the mat, increasing her lead, 8-0. From there, Falcon would ride-out the remainder of the match on top, waiting patiently to celebrate as the timer ran down. It was an incredible three-year-run for the dominate champion, who becomes just the seventh girl in state history to win three CIF State titles. On top of that, she was joined by fellow Walnut teammate, Deandra Meza, who minutes earlier had won her own CIF State title. Together the two Walnut champions and three fellow teammates won the Girls’ CIF State Team Title with their outstanding individual performances over the weekend. Anaya Falcon chose to use the final seconds of her last high school match to announce her commitment to Life University in Georgia.
Isabella Marie Gonzales – Master of Her Craft
Isabella Marie Gonzales, 115 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
Two years prior Isabella Marie Gonzales nearly became one of the few freshmen who power through a bracket of older opponents to win a state title. While some would focus on what could have been, Isabella used that over-time loss in Finals to set a trajectory that has developed her into one of the nation’s most skilled and intelligent wrestlers. Simply put, Isabella Marie Gonzales is a technician, a master of her craft. After winning her first CIF State title last season, Isabella took the number one spot in national rankings by beating her rival, Karlee Brooks of Arizona, at Flo Wrestling’s “Who’s Number One” annual event. The Clovis East junior found herself down by four and running out of time against the top ranked Brooks in the high stakes freestyle match-up last September. Proving that her mindset is that of a true champion, Isabella pulled off an incredible come-from-behind victory when she sent her opponent to their back while defending a single leg attack with just thirty seconds left in the match. The brilliant move rewarded her with four points and a truly impressive victory by criteria.
After pinning her first four opponents, each in the first round, Isabella would once again appear in the Finals match of the CIF State Tournament on Saturday night. This time she would face second seed challenger, Kylee Golz, who looked fantastic in each of her matches over the lengthy three-day tournament. Golz had a giant task in front of her, but to her credit, she made the champ work and offered a solid offense of her own throughout the match. Even so, the lethally quick and patient Gonzales who understands opportunity, control and the importance of remaining calm in close matches, was able to dominate, leading her to a 6-1 victory and securing her second consecutive CIF State title. Look for Isabella to be a top college prospect next season as she completes her impressive high school career and welcomes her younger sister, Sophia, to the 2025 CIF State Tournament.
Duda Rodrigues – What’s Wrong with Being Confident?
Duda Rodrigues, 155 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
Confident accurately sums up returning champion, Duda Rodrigues, who didn’t look the least bit concerned in any match over the long weekend. The Fargo National Champion out scored her opponents collectively 35-5 and pinned every single one them. The Newport Harbor Senior has had an incredible amount of success over the past two years as she made the move from jiu-jitsu to wrestling. Along with the success of several other teammates over the weekend, her victory in Finals assured New Port Harbor the second-place team finish. Assuming Duda takes the plunge into to the women’s college wrestling scene next year, it will be very interesting to follow her success against top talent in the deeper waters of either the NCAA or NAIA divisions.
Faith Bartoszek vs Olivia Davis – They Stole the Show
Faith Bartoszek (left) and Olivia Davis (right), 140 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
This finals match had all the components for a great final and it delivered. First, you have two fantastic wrestlers, both Fargo All-Americans and both from Southern California schools whose coaches have a bit of a rivalry. On top of that, Bartoszek is a transfer from Wisconsin by way of Wyoming Seminary and entered California this school year which always attracts attention. Faith Bartoszek, given the fourth seed position, made her way to semi-finals where she beat last year’s 137lb State Champ, Gianna Dibenedetto. On the opposite side of the bracket, Oliva Davis who was seeded second, bested her opposition for a chance to give Bartoszek her first stiff challenge of the tournament.
Neither girl wasted any time imposing their will on each other. Shortly after the initial clinch, Oliva secured an underhook and far elbow while trying to combat Bartoszek’s early two-on-one tie-up attempts. Not feeling comfortable with Olivia’s dominate position, Faith went for a big arm-throw while moving backwards, sending Davis sailing out of bounds. The move caught the attention of the audience just twenty-seconds after the starting whistle. Bartoszek would score first after the reset, securing double underhooks on Davis and strongarming her to the mat where she dropped into a position of control. Seconds later, the powerful newcomer would elevate Davis off her feet, returning her back to the mat with some force shortly before the round ended, 2-0.
Round two would begin with Davis choosing neutral position and Faith immediately returning to her preferred two-on-one arm control. Evident was Olivia’s preparedness for Bartoszek’s offense as she looked for different avenues to score off Faith’s positioning. Just over a minute into round two, Olivia secured a far-side knee-pick from a standing position and drove an off balance Bartoszek to her knee first, then her butt, and eventually to her back just outside the circle, prompting an out of bounds call, but not before the referee issued two points near-fall. Not without some controversy, there was some question whether the out-of-bounds call came too early as Olivia’s feet looked to be in-bounds. It’s possible that Davis was shorted a single point of near-fall as a pin would have been unlikely given their positioning. Nonetheless, the score would be 4-2 now in favor of Davis as the match returned to center. On the next whistle Faith wasted no time reversing the position on bottom and eventually secured a cradle for three more points and regaining the lead, 7-4.
Faith Bartoszek would choose to start on bottom to begin the final period where she remained busy, eventually placing Olivia out front in a vulnerable position. With Olivia Davis sensing the danger, she attempted to bail out, but Faith trapped her legs and gained control, receiving two points for the reversal. Despite giving up a point from a locking-hands call during a scramble, the Wisconsin native would remain in control for the remainder of the period, preventing her opponent from forming any further offense. As the final seconds expired, a wide and bloodied smile appeared on the face of the Northview senior, clearly satisfied in her 9-5 victory, and newly acquired title, CIF State Champion.
Leilani Lemus – She’s Here to Stay
Leilani Lemus, 170 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
It’s incredibly impressive for a freshman to win state and by doing so last year, Leilani Lemus became just the fifteenth girl to accomplish such a task in state history. With that accomplishment comes some added pressure and of course those who will question the validity of her success. Well, there’s no better way to silence your critics than to repeat your performance the following year and move toward becoming a member of a much shorter list.
Like several other CIF champions this year, Leilani’s semi-finals match would be her toughest task of the weekend, at least as evidenced by the score. Gilroy’s Kauilani Garcia who was equally as difficult to score on, would test Lemus in the first round, nearly scoring a single leg take down that was deemed out of bounds. The missed-by-inches opportunity may have changed the outcome of the match had she been successful, as Lemus struggled to score on Garcia from the top position in round two despite enforcing serious pressure on her older opponent. The reigning champ made an important statement in round three by escaping Garcia’s top position rather quickly and earning the only point scored in the match. From there Lemus was able to stay active and secure the important victory by avoiding the advances of the tough Gilroy senior.
In Finals, Leilani would meet third seed, Alexandria Perez. It would be Perez striking first and early with a bold head-and-arm attempt to which Lemus defended and scored with, now in control, 2-0. Lemus was unsuccessful in turning the gritty La Costa Canyon junior before time ran out in the first period. The second period would begin with Perez choosing a neutral start, continuing to look for scoring opportunities including a nice level change to fireman’s carry attempt, which was quickly recognized by the young champion who sprawled her way out of danger and again scored off the challenger’s shot, 4-0. Once again on bottom, Perez proved to be too strong for Lemus to turn for any additional points. Up by four, Lemus chose to stay where she felt comfortable, on top. Even if she couldn’t turn Perez, her lead in the score afforded her some insurance if needed. The round ended with one stalling point gained by Lemus and several failed attempts to escape the dominate performance and fundamentally sound wrestling of Leilani Lemus, now a two-time CIF State Champion.
Gemma Templeman – A Dream Realized
Gemma Templeman, 235 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
Contentment is achieved when our reality meets or exceeds our expectations. The smile on Gemma Templeman’s face after her CIF State Finals match was a visual representation of just that, a final opportunity being seized, and a dream being realized.
It’s safe to say that last year’s CIF State Tournament didn’t go as planned for the number one seed Gemma Templeman, but it wasn’t her first set-back on her road to success. As all seniors this year know too well, their freshman year of competition was taken from them when the CIF decided not to hold a state championship in California due to concerns over a pandemic. After waiting an entire year, the 2022 CIF State Tournament was an exciting opportunity for the returning wrestlers, including Gemma Templeman, who after losing in quarter-finals to the eventual state champion that year, wrestled back to an impressive third place finish. Going back to the expectations vs reality concept, Gemma’s outcome at last year’s 2023 CIF State Tournament would sting as her opportunity to earn her first state title slipped away after losing unexpectedly to Anna Bozanic, a tough freshman who would go on to take third place that year. While for most a 5th place CIF finish is rightfully worthy of celebration, I cannot imagine it sat well with Gemma Templeman. Perhaps using the losses as motivation, Templeman would have a strong showing at the Fargo Freestyle Nationals Tournament that summer where the unranked Junior did not give up a single point on her way to Finals to face fellow Californian, and senior, Aly Phillips. Although it would be Phillips who would find victory, Gemma proved that with another year left, the CIF State and Fargo National titles were not out of reach.
This year Templeman and Bozanic would take the top seed positions in the heavyweight bracket of CIF State Tournament. Both girls had strong starts, especially Gemma, pinning every opponent on her way to Finals. Bozanic would struggle in her quarter-finals match, losing by pin to Ridgeview’s Fernanda Canedo, a senior, who would go on to reach Finals herself, and ironically the only unseeded wrestler that weekend to do so. The Finals match between Templeman and Canedo would prove to be quite interesting with the less known Canedo dominating the tie-ups and movement, putting Templeman on the defense the entire first round. With no score yet, Gemma would begin the second round by choosing bottom position. Fernanda Canedo wasted little time before pressuring Gemma and trying to score on the now top ranked Rocklin senior. Showing her experience, Templeman avoided being turned and was able to reverse control, scoring the first points of the contest, 2-0. With forty-five seconds remaining in the second round, Templeman aggressively attempted to turn Canedo, nearly succeeding right as the round ended. Full of surprises, Fernanda Canedo would choose top position for the final round despite being down two points, committing herself to turning Templeman in a search for victory. The decision would be a mistake as Templeman was simply too tough and experienced to give up anything more than a single stalling point. After weathering a very impressive storm from an unexpected opponent, Gemma Templeman’s dream of becoming a CIF State champion was finally realized.
Freshmen Who Made a Statement
Christina Estrada, 100 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
Lily Dizon, 100 - Photo by Dan Glenn for AWW
Part of the excitement of the CIF State Tournament is seeing the future unfold as talented freshmen come up from the middle school level, a milestone these young wrestlers have been eagerly anticipating. While none of them are new to the sport, their freshman season is often their first opportunity to test themselves against older competition. Freshman make up less than ten-percent of the girls who earn a spot at the CIF State Tournament. For those who make it, the experience is often humbling. Awaiting them is hotel living, large crowds, a blur of numbered mats, strict officiating, a three-day weigh-in schedule, and brackets of older kids ready to steal their lunch money. What could go wrong?
Despite their odds, several of these young high school elites made quite the statement at the CIF State Tournament this year. Among them, is the previously mentioned Lily Dizon, who battled through a tough bracket of solid competition, eventually reaching the height of the tournament, CIF Finals. While she finally met her match against the highly skilled Jillian Wells, Dizon left the tournament a CIF Finalist and the only freshman to do so in 2024.
Christina Estrada from Buchanan High School, a longstanding powerhouse program on the boys’ side of the tournament, created her own excitement by dominating through her quarter-finals match. Most impressive was Christina’s aggressive chain wrestling style, never letting up and applying relentless pressure on her opponents until she found victory. Her biggest statement of the weekend was outwrestling would-be champion, Jillian Wells for several minutes in their semi-final collision. Only in round three did Jillian Wells find a way to extinguish the heat that Estrada had brought with her to the CIF State tournament.
Two other freshmen who made a serious impact this year were, Dulcy Martinez of Central Catholic and Marlee Solomon of New Port Harbor. Both highly anticipated freshman had early victories, with Martinez making it to semi-finals after a series of nail-biting matches and Solomon dominating her way to her quarter-finals match. Both forced to battle back in their respective weight classes after tough losses, they would prove to be resilient over the weekend and earn places on the CIF medal stand that Saturday night.
Coach Mike Maben – Setting a Great Example
Mike Maben, Del Oro Girls’ Head Coach - Photos by Dan Glenn for AWW
Many skills make up a good coach, but knowing how to respond to a wrestler’s loss or failure requires you to be thinking about their needs in that moment, not yours, or the teams. It’s a tall order honestly and not something that comes naturally for many coaches.
I was privy to a moment shared between Coach Mike Maben and one of his girls, a senior who had just been eliminated from the CIF State tournament, a difficult moment for those who understand its implications.
Ironically, what he said to her, made a lasting impression on me.
Looking back at my own coaching experience, his statement to her reminded me that I had allowed my own emotions to get in the way of finding the right words in a difficult moment.
I’m in no way advocating that every post-loss conversation should always be uplifting or free of criticism, but I do know the list of what not to say is a lot longer than the right decision, and that’s what often sets a great coach apart from others. What does that kid need to hear or simply see from you in that moment? It’s a complicated question to which I cannot answer because it’s not the same for everyone, nor is it the same in every situation.
What set up this reflection on Mike’s coaching was the way his wrestler looked at him just prior to the match. As Coach Maben walked over and attempted to activate some adrenaline, playfully getting eye to eye with her, she responded with a smile so genuinely showing her admiration for the man. It was a special moment captured in a series of photos, and a reminder of just how important a role coaches play in the lives of their athletes.
It’s possible Coach Maben has his own list of times where he didn’t have the right words, or allowed his own disappointment to color an opportunity, but on this day and with this wrestler, he got it right and I’m glad I was there to learn from it.
“I can’t begin to tell you how important you have been to this team…” -Coach Mike Maben