by Dan Glenn

BAKERSFIELD, CA – The 2025 Girls’ CIF State Championships proved that no two seasons look quite alike, and the continued growth of girls wrestling was evidenced in a variety of ways beyond just increased participation this year. While annual participation numbers have been the common metric by which we’ve measured the growth and success of the sport, multi-sibling participation, college commitments, and freshman success all appear to be on the rise.

As the excitement cools off from the CIF State Championship tournament here in California, I’m left thinking about just how far wrestling has come for girls over the past decade. While I prepared to photograph the finale of the 2025 CIF State Championships, I became overwhelmed for a moment with size and spectacle of such an event. I couldn’t help but wonder if the girls who earned a spot under the bright lights and amongst thousands of roaring spectators might ever consider how this all came to be, and how fortunate they are in that moment, not just to be wrestling for a historic state title but to being doing so in such a celebrated fashion. While the boys CIF Championships spans back over fifty years, the first CIF State Tournament for girls was just fourteen years ago, and the amount of growth during that time has been incredible.

I remember being excited to attend the third annual CIF Girls’ Championship in 2013 because one of our middle school girls had qualified her freshman year and would be competing. Truth be told, the event appeared to be nothing more than a typical wrestling tournament held in the gymnasium at Lemoore High School. But to those who had spent years helping girls achieve success in the sport, which for their girls, often meant wrestling boys and never feeling fully welcomed or accepted at tournaments, a CIF sanctioned girls’ championship was the start of something special. After a successful five-year tenure hosting the Girls’ State Championships at the Visalia Convention Center, the CIF would finally join the boys and girls state events under the same roof at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield California in 2019. Now seven years and six CIF Championships later, inclusion of the girls has become the norm. On a broader scope, there are now over 146 college wrestling programs for young women throughout the country including 47 NAIA and 85 NCAA programs, many of them offering scholarships. On top of that, the first ever NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship was announced recently for 2026. There’s never been a better time to be a girl involved in a high school wrestling program, especially in California where girls’ participation is at record levels. As I look back, I’m thankful to have been a part of the growth and opportunities that have shaped today’s acceptance and growth for girls in this amazing sport.

List of 2025 California State Champions

100: Christina Estrada (10) - Buchanan
105: Ella Cohen (9) - Palo Alto
110: Aubree Gutierrez (9) - Marina
115: Epenesa Elison (9) - Los Altos
120: Isabella Marie Gonzales (12) - Clovis East
125: Zahra Stewart (12) - Orange Vista
130: Samantha Sachs (12) - Glendora
135: Lauren Zaragoza (11) - Brawley
140: Yzabella Austin (11) - Pitman
145: Oliva Davis (11) - Esperanza
155: Natalie Blanco (10) - Chino
170: Leilani Lemus (11) - Clovis
190: Evelyn Vargas (12) - Merced
235: Trinity Tipton (12) -Camarillo

NOTEWORTHY STORIES & PERFORMANCES

Christina Estrada – She’s All Business

Christina Estrada made a big high school entrance last year at the CIF State Tournament as a freshman when she displayed a tenacious ability to chain wrestle and dominate her opponents with speed and precision. The Buchanan High School sophomore returned with the same great wrestling style, only better. This year she’d have her chance to avenge her only loss from last season, then two-time state finalist and mat magician, Jillian Wells. In their semifinals match at last year’s CIF State Tournament, Wells found herself in unfamiliar waters against the freshman, on the defense and behind in points. It wasn’t until round three that the eventual 2024 state champion found a way stop the Estrada’s onslaught, sending her to the consis to fight back for a third-place finish. By day-two of this year’s CIF state Tournament, it was clear that Wells and Estrada were on a collision course for what would be an epic rematch, but this time it would be a finals showdown for all to see.

If Christina Estrada was nervous about her first trip to CIF Finals, it didn’t show at all. Her early mannerisms indicated she was confident and ready to engage with the three-time CIF finals veteran. The only thing Estrada was missing was a briefcase, because let me tell you, this girl was all business. She wasted no time, aggressively committing to a gritty single leg which she scored with early in the period. And while unable to keep the experienced champion down for long, she didn’t let up as Jillian Wells busied herself combating Christina’s relentless offense.

With thirty seconds remaining in the period, Estrada attacked again, this time off a blocked shot attempt by Wells. The perfectly executed single-leg re-attack earned Christina an additional three points for a 6-1 lead. The second period began with Jillian Wells choosing top position despite being down by five. Confident in her leg riding, she spent most of the round attempting to turn Estrada to even out the score. Despite her best efforts, Estrada was able to fend off the champion’s top-game attacks and secured a reversal before the round’s end, 8-1. Between each period Estrada was keenly aware of what she wanted, deferring second round starting position to her opponent and later choosing neutral position to begin the third period; both instances without a single glance at her corner. Round three was active with both girls trading takedown attempts with admirable defense on display throughout the first half of the final period.

Eventually it would be Christina Estrada getting the better of the shot attempts, scoring again late in the period. After a stalemate call, Christina decided not to risk riding out the last thirty-one seconds on top of the very skilled and crafty champion—a completely understandable decision given the outcome of their previous encounter and her huge ten-point lead. With the two back on their feet, Estrada didn’t let up, finding one last take-down to secure her first CIF state title with a final score of 14-2. Considering the skills Jillian Wells brings with her, this dominate performance by Estrada was nothing but masterful.

Yzabella “Baya” Austin – She’s Not Done Yet

Earning a spot in finals at the CIF State Championship Tournament, not once or twice, but three years in a row—that’s exactly what returning champion, Baya Austin achieved this year, but her path to victory wasn’t without adversity. Weeks earlier at the 25th Annual Napa Valley Classic, Baya would face Granite Hills sophomore, Lucia Ledezma in their championship bout. In an over-before-it-started moment, Ledezma surprised everyone, especially Austin, with an eighteen second victory. Not only did that loss cost Baya a top seeding placement at CIF State but it also set her on a path for a potential semifinals rematch with Ledezma. Austin would call upon her experience and faith to remain focused, winning each match by fall on her way to a rematch with Ledezma. Unrattled by their previous meeting, Baya refused her opponent even a single point, winning a major decision 10-0 and a third appearance under the big lights of the recently renamed Dignity Health Arena that Saturday night. There she would meet top contender, Mary Snider from Rancho Bernardo who entered the CIF tournament undefeated.

Austin who stands 5’ 9” tall, is used to having a height and reach advantage over most opponents, but not this time. Snider who mirrored Baya in size would be Baya’s most physically imposing opponent of the tournament. Austin would again rely on her experience and possibly cooler nerves to see her through the most important challenge of her junior year. To Snider’s credit she proved to be tough, staying out of any real precarious positions, but it was Austin who leveraged the upper hand, finding scoring opportunities in every round and defending attacks from the challenger. After an admirable effort by both wrestlers the scoreboard revealed a final score of 7-1 for Austin. The now two-time CIF champion isn’t done yet. The junior from Pitman High School has one more year to become the sixth ever three-time CIF girls’ state champion. Adding to the meaningfulness of her victory this year, Baya shared her CIF experience alongside her sisters, Gabryella & Annabella Austin who also competed at the state tournament.

Olivia Davis – Thirsty for More

Coach Richard Ramos knew he had something special in wrestler Olivia Davis when the eighth grader walked into the Somar Wrestling Club practice room four years ago. Since then, her growth as an athlete and person has been inspiring to those around her. At last year’s CIF State Tournament, coach Ramos’ confidence in Olivia’s ability to reach the finals was evident in his words and encouraging interactions with her throughout the tournament. There she’d meet a mountain of a challenge in 2023 Fargo Freestyle Champion, Faith Bartoszek from Northview High School. Despite Olivia being the younger and less experienced finalist, Coach Ramos’ belief in her ability didn’t wavier. The matchup proved to be entertaining, with both Olivia and Faith flying out of bounds just seconds after the starting whistle. Despite the eventual loss, Olivia left everything she had on the finals mat last year proving without a doubt she was championship material in the making.

Ironically, Olivia would face another tough Northview opponent in her finals match this year. But this time it would be a familiar Southern Section friend, highly ranked senior and 2024 State Champion, Delarie Juarez. Momentarily setting aside their friendship for a chance at this year’s 145-pound CIF state title, both girls put forth a valiant effort. Like last year in finals, Olivia didn’t wait long to strike. Just eight seconds into their match Davis shot a double leg forcing Juarez out of bounds. Her early efforts received praise from five-time world medalist, Mallory Velte, who was providing live commentary for FloWrestling. Moments later Delarie attempted her own double leg, but Olivia underhooked and muscled her to the mat for what resulted in five points, three for the takedown and two in near-fall. Although it was Olivia with the early lead, Juarez proved to be tough underneath, not allowing Davis any further points that period.

The second period began with Davis choosing neutral position. From here it would be Delarie who would find success, bringing Olivia down to the mat with an ankle-pick turned low-double that she used to slowly inch into a take-down. The series of progression earned herself three points, placing herself right back in the match, 5-3. With Davis on the defense for the first time in the contest, it was Delarie’s chance to turn the junior from Esperanza High School to her back for a chance to take the lead. Davis also proved to be strong off the bottom, nearly escaping several times and forcing the action out of bounds as well as dealing with two awkward knee positions which the referee felt were potentially dangerous, forcing restarts.

Round three proved to be the most exciting as both wrestlers knew they were a takedown from victory. Both girls having success on their feet, the period began again in the neutral position. Down by two, Juarez intelligently pushed the action looking to score again, but Olivia’s defense proved to be too much. After an exchange of quality takedown attempts by both, Davis would eventually succeed, adding three additional points to her lead, now 8-3. As the final seconds of the match dwindled, a big smile appeared on Olivia’s face as she looked back at a joyful Coach Ramos who was holding out a bottle of Dr. Pepper. “I hadn’t had a Dr. Pepper in weeks”, Olivia would later tell me. “They’re my favorite.”

The playful exchange between coach and athlete was great to see as was the embrace between the two friends who had just tested the extent of each other’s merit, sharing a moment in time that they’ll never forget.

Leilani Lemus – One Year at a Time

For nearly all wrestlers, progress rather than perfection is the only way to mitigate the challenges of a sport that requires so much of them. For this reason, we take notice when someone becomes the exception and escapes the disappointment of a single loss. In 2015 Alyssa LaFrancis became the first girl in California to win four CIF State titles and since then, only three others have been able to achieve this accolade. Simply put, four-time state champions in this sport are rare. For wrestlers, who they are wrestling in the moment isn’t their only challenge. From injury and illness, weight management and motivation, even a questionable call by an official, wrestlers face a labyrinth of obstacles which make a perfect season improbable, let alone four seasons in a row. Next in line with a chance to achieve this remarkable accomplishment is Clovis High School’s Leilani Lemus. Her first appearance at the 2023 CIF Finals as a freshman was made doubly special as her older brother, Dario, was on the adjacent mat during his own Finals match. In an incredible moment for both California wrestling and the Lemus family, both Dario and Leilani would earn their first ever CIF State titles together.

Leilani’s journey as a wrestler began well before her 2023 finals victory. She began wrestling at nine years old as a fill-in practice partner on a day where an odd number of boys were at her brother’s wrestling practice. As time went on, additional visits to wrestling practices and the need for her to participate stroked her natural inclination to be competitive. What began as a convenience for others, grew into a deep personal interest in the sport and eventually a source of confidence that allowed Leilani to see herself differently. The goal-oriented high school junior admits it hasn’t always been easy, and her confidence has been challenged over the years. In those difficult times especially, it was her strong faith that sustained her.

Leilani was able to once again repeat as state champion this year with an impressive victory over a stout opponent in Tokay’s Kayleen Tauvao, who she defeated, 19-7. While the score suggests a dominant performance by Lemus, her challenger was able to test the champ, including a second-round surprise reversal at the edge of the mat that forced Leilani to fight off her back under duress. With Tauvao’s feet still in bounds and the champ’s back to the mat, the brief change in momentum was tense while it lasted. Despite the scare, Leilani’s experience and mat awareness was impressive throughout the match. Unlike her two previous CIF finals matches, we saw a much more active version of Leilani Lemus, proving she can adjust to the tempo and abilities of her opponents and rise to the occasion to defend her title.

While the three-time state champion admits she does feel some pressure to win that last CIF Championship next year, she knows that no single setback will prevent her from perusing the many goals she has set for herself in this sport. With that mindset, look for Leilani Lemus to be the favorite to win her bracket come next season as she aims in becoming the fifth girl ever to win a fourth consecutive CIF Championship title.

Gonzales & Sachs: The Two Newest Iowa Hawkeyes are Undeniably Exceptional

Both Isabella Marie Gonzales and Samantha Sachs are undefeated CIF champion seniors who’ve committed to the University of Iowa, but their paths to success are as different as they are impressive.

Gonzales

One word comes to mind when describing Isabella Marie Gonzales’ high school wrestling career: exceptional. The Clovis East Senior just became a three-time CIF State Champion and four-time CIF State Finalist. Her CIF high school career’s only blemish came in an overtime loss four years ago. With a CIF career of 163-1, Isabella has been as close to perfect as we’ve seen from any recent high school senior.

Isabella’s success hasn’t been contained within the Golden State. Her precision on the mat has taken her to some of the most prestigious wrestling events in the nation over the past four years. Perhaps most notably are two consecutive invitations to FloWrestling’s Who’s Number One event, where she was victorious in both appearances against the most skilled competitors in the country. Topping off her high school career, Isabella is passing the torch to her younger sister, Sophia, who like Isabella, shares an execution and speed that is as impressive to see as it is difficult to defend against. Together, along with teammate Jaelyn Unpingco, the three Clovis East girls amassed the highest team score, edging out Northview High School by one point and winning the girls’ team title. Although Isabella will wear a different singlet next year, expect the Gonzales sisters to continue to dominate with a style that they’ve developed together as practice partners over many years.

Sachs

With just a few years of experience, Samantha Sachs is relatively new to the sport of wrestling, a fact that given her success provokes some attention. While some new wrestlers who find early success have spent years training in another combat sport such as jujitsu, Samantha, born weighing just 4 pounds, had no choice but to be a fighter from the beginning. Eighteen years later, her size is no longer an issue. At 5’ 6” and a muscular 130 pounds, Samatha’s strength, athleticism, and determination have proved to be too much for her opponents. Perhaps that early struggle for a chance at life defined her in some way and provided a zest for existence that according to her mother, has been lived out every day since.

From singing the national anthem at a Lakers game, to track, soccer, field hockey, and eventually wrestling, Samantha hasn’t been deterred from any challenge set in front of her. And now the two-time CIF State Finalist and Fargo Champion can add CIF State Champion to her list of accomplishments. She’ll join fellow CIF Champion Isabella Marie Gonzales at the University of Iowa where they’ll add to the growing number of Californians that make up the powerhouse NCAA Division 1 roster.

Kylee Golz – Ending Victorious

I didn’t have to interview coach Charlie Hong to understand why a moment of tearful emotion broke through his normally focused demeanor while Kylee Golz’ hand was raised in the final match of her high school career.

Last year, Golz’ outstanding performance earned her an opportunity few wrestlers experience, a chance to wrestle for a state title. That meant challenging returning state champion and #1 in the nation, Isabella Marie Gonzales. Despite the less than favorable odds and the eventual loss, Golz faced that challenge like a champion herself, going the distance and never letting up until the end.

Returning as the second-seed this year, it’s understandable that Golz had high expectations of herself. If things went as planned, she’d have another shot at the seemingly imperviable champion, Isabella Marie Gonzales. And while that rematch would have continued to be difficult, not getting there would feel like a step backwards. In her semifinals match, Kylee would face impressive eleventh grader, SJ Martin of Granada High School. The high-scoring contest was full of action, allowing both girls to test each other in a variety of positions. Although SJ would score first, it would be Kylee who pushed the pace offensively, shooting multiple singles and doubles in an effort to score.

SJ would control the first round but was unable to turn Golz for any points after securing an early take-down. In the second period, Kylee would bounce back, taking the lead after finishing a single leg and receiving two near-fall points, but was unable to pin the wiry Martin. The remainder of the match would prove frustrating for Golz who, despite nearly finishing two additional single-leg takedowns, would lose the positions which were blocked by deep whizzers. In both identical instances, Martin was able to use the whizzers to sneak behind Golz and secure takedown points for herself. Although relentless in her pursuit, Kylee would fall behind in points, resulting in a longer and different than planned CIF experience this year.

Just minutes after her heartbreaking semifinals loss, Golz would prove resilient in her efforts to make the very most of a tough situation. There she was forced to dig deep in search of victory in another exhausting match, this time against Poway’s Ava Ebrahimi. Tied 3-3 in the final period with two seconds remaining, Kylee secured a takedown at the edge of the mat, guaranteeing her a top four CIF placement and one final match alongside her coach of three years.

Although her previous matches that day certainly took a toll on her reserves, the additional time before her third-place match would allow her to refocus. Impressive was Golz’ positive attitude and genuine contentment for where she was in that moment. This was especially apparent after her hard-fought battle with AlexAndrea Corona. The CIF third-place match (which Golz won 6-5), left little question about Kylee’s heart, skill, and maturity in remaining focused on any challenge in front of her no matter the situation.

Understanding that accomplishing great things is rarely done alone, Kylee looked up her friends and family in the crowd as her hand was raised in victory. She signaled with four fingers, a four-time CIF State placer indeed. Moments like this, witnessing a young athlete persevere through difficulty and yet not lose sight of the value of what they’ve accomplished is what coaches live for. And for Coach Hong? His swelling eyes were met with a big embrace from Golz, no doubt thankful for the many life lessons and a great deal of success they shared together along the way. A special ending to an impressive four-year high school career in which Kylee should be proud.

Abbi Cooper – On the Rise

Not every state finalist shakes up a division their freshman year or has a four-year-long list of impressive achievements throughout their high school career. Many wrestlers develop considerably year by year, a collection of practices, meets, and weekend tournaments that eventually lead to the biggest match of their life. That is certainly the case with Abbi Cooper, a Clayton Valley senior whose first two CIF State appearances were mere learning experiences. Last season Abbi broke-through, squeezing on to the podium with a seventh-place finish, placing at CIF State for the first time. Abbi’s senior year would prove to be different than past years.

She started her preseason off with a huge feat, a second-place finish at Super 32 Nationals. From there, the scrappy 110 pounder earned herself a top-seed placement at CIF State and did not give up a single point on her way to Finals. What she accomplished on the way to her second place CIF State finish should serve to inspire others, proving that losses along the way often serve as our greatest times of growth and a reminder that accomplishments in high school are often just the beginning of something greater. Look for this young woman to continue making a name for herself as she enters the college wrestling scene at Pennsylvania’s Lehigh University.

Freshmen Who Made an Impact

There’s no doubt that several freshmen made their mark at the CIF Girls State tournament this year. Not since 2019 have we had so many freshman girls win CIF State titles, a feat that is truly remarkable given their age and the stiff competition awaiting them. Across the fourteen weight divisions there are one-hundred and twelve annual state placers, less than ten of those on average are freshmen. Not the best odds for athletes still getting used to being called a teenager. While there are usually two or three skilled freshmen who breakthrough the older competition to reach the semi-finals, few become finalists and even fewer claim a state title.

This year, many freshmen competitors would shake things up, three by winning titles in consecutive weight classes—105, 110 & 115—and thirteen making the podium as state placers. The entry of talented freshmen this year is in part an indication of the growth of youth wrestling programs who involve kids in the sport well before high school. These are all encouraging signs that the state of the sport is healthy and growing. Let’s take a closer look at which freshmen earned some attention at this year’s CIF State Championships.

Epenesa Elison -On a Different Level

This recap wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Epenesa Elison, possibly the most talented freshman California has seen since Amit Elor’s appearance in 2019. The two-time U15 Pan-American Champion is simply on a different level than all her opponents. At the 2023 and 2024 Super 32 preseason national tournament in North Carolina, Epenesa didn’t give up a single point either year. Then in September, just prior to competing in her first high school season, she accepted an invitation to compete at FloWrestling Who’s Number One event, where she defeated her opponent, 12-5. With that type of resume, it’s no surprise she was heavily favored to win a CIF State title this year. And when the time came, the soft-spoken 115-pounder from Los Altos decided she would tech every opponent she faced, amassing 89 total points scored before being crowned CIF Champion. Truly incredible.

Aubree Gutierrez – Defying the Odds

Both Aubree Gutierrez and Abbi Cooper would each amass three pins and a decision victory along their way to CIF Finals to face each other. While Cooper dominated her semifinal opponent, Aubree was forced to go the distance against yet another incredible freshman, Sophia Marie Gonzales. While the score would show that Aubree controlled the match, you simply cannot count out the relentless pressure and skill that Sophia has developed alongside her older sister. Given the prowess of Gonzales and the recent momentum of Cooper, Aubree’s ability to defeat these two opponents on the same day is nothing short of impressive. Defying the odds and beating the best to earn her first CIF State title serve as an incredible start to what is sure to be a successful high school career and beyond.

.Ella Cohen -Surprise!

The surprise of the tournament belongs to Ella Cohen. The Palo Alto freshman, seeded fifth, wasn’t supposed to win it, but she did. After victories over several older competitors, she went on to beat the number-one-seed in senior Jazmine Turner in semis, which is no small task.

Turner, who came down a weight class from last season, was the only CIF wrestler last year who was a true challenge for three-time state champ, Anaya Falcon. Aware of Turner’s skill set, many didn’t give Ella a fighting chance, but she proved them wrong with an impressive win by fall and an entry into finals. There she would find herself trailing by four points at the start of the third period against the much-improved second-seed, Ava Fodera. Despite the deficit, the tenacious ninth grader would not be denied. Rather than electing a bottom position start, Ella chose to begin neutral and search for an early take down, which she found just thirty seconds into the period. Closing the gap to a single point, Ella’s strategy became clear, cut Fodera loose and seal the deal with a final take-down for the win.

As she attempted to separate herself, Fodera latched on to her ankle, looking for a reversal. Defending her earned position, Cohen dropped back down where a scramble for control ensued at the edge of the mat. Here Ella used her longer reach to maintain control and set up a cradle. Impressive was Cohen’s foresight to pull Fodera in a bit before finishing the cradle so the two would remain in bounds, allowing for the much needed near-fall points to win the match. As the official counted off four near-fall points, a slight adjustment earned her something even better, her second pin of the day and the title of CIF State Champion.

Stephanie Martinez -Top Contender in the Making

Stephanie Martinez made the most of a tough 100-pound bracket placement when she had to face the second-seed Angelica Serratos in just her second match of the CIF State Championship tournament. The freshman vs. freshman match-up appeared a bit lopsided on paper, but Martinez was not intimidated one bit by her opponent’s ranking. Stephanie controlled the pace and most positions, outscoring Serratos 6-3 before removing all doubts in the second period by securing the fall just as the round ended. Serratos, who’s known for getting down to business, couldn’t quite find a rhythm that worked against Martinez, whose go-for-broke intensity may have rattled Angelica’s focus in an already demanding and stressful CIF State Tournament.

Stephanie would use the momentum from the upset victory to win her following match by tech-fall in just four minutes. Her win streak would come to an end in semifinals as she faced 2024 state champion senior, Jillian Wells, who had the answers to stop the feisty freshman. In the end, Martinez would secure four total wins for an impressive fifth place finish at her first ever CIF State event. Expect to see big things from this future top contender next season.

AlexAndrea Corona - A Warrior’s Spirit

This unseeded ninth grader had an amazing showing at her first CIF state tournament, but it didn’t start off pretty. After losing her very first match, AlexAndrea Corona found herself far behind in score in two different consolation matches, 0-10 and 0-7. Just seconds away from being eliminated, Corona displayed a warrior’s spirit, finding a way to win both times with a tightly-cinched cradle. All in all, she’d wrestle a total of eight matches, dodge elimination by the thinnest of margins, outpace the girl who beat her in round one and wrestle a very close match for third place against a super tough three-time state placer. AlexAndrea’s performance was a prime example of how talented freshman competitors are coming up the ranks and creating a more challenging and less predictable CIF State Championship here in California.

2025 CIF Girls’ State Championships Recap

American Women’s Wrestling
There are stories to tell.

2025 CIF Girls’ State Championships Recap

American Women’s WrestlingThere are stories to tell.

American Women’s Wrestling
There are stories to tell.