As the 2025-26 IHSA girls’ wrestling season is set to begin in November, a formidable group of freshman wrestlers are looking to make a significant impact on the high school wrestling scene. These young athletes bring a wealth of experience and accolades from their youth careers, setting the stage for a remarkable season.
Leading the charge are two-time Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) state champions, including Emily Taylor from Belvidere, Charlotte Nold from St.Viator and Rain Scott from Oak Forest. These wrestlers have consistently dominated the youth division with their exceptional skill and determination. Kendra Ege, the only Fargo All-American in this group, stands out as a formidable contender with her national-level success.
This incoming freshman class of 2029 brings a blend of technical prowess, competitive grit, and championship experience to the table and has the potential to deliver historic freshman performances at the state finals in Bloomington. Here’s a quick look at fifteen of the best incoming freshman wrestlers:
#15 • Kali DeClercq, Hononegah
Currently ranked #9 at 100 lbs in IHSA preseason rankings, Kali has demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill in Illinois girls’ youth wrestling. She earned a respectable 7th-place finish in her division at the 2025 IKWF State Championships and has achieved several notable victories throughout her youth career.
#14 • Calliope Willman, Metamora High School
Calliope has begun to make her mark with a solid performance in the IKWF, securing 3rd place at the 2025 State Championships. She also brings national wrestling experience, having competed across the country for many years.
#13 • Baileigh Self, Althoff Catholic
Baileigh is a formidable competitor in youth girls’ wrestling, earning 3rd place at the 2025 IKWF State Championships and 2nd place in 2024, making her a two-time state medalist.
#12 • McKenzie Steinke, Lincoln Way West
McKenzie has made significant strides in youth wrestling, placing 2nd at the 2025 IKWF State Championships and 4th in 2024. Her consistent performances highlight her potential for success in IHSA and national level.
#11 • Eila Barbour, Lane Tech High School
Currently ranked #10 at 140 lbs in IHSA preseason rankings, Eila placed 2nd in the 2024 IKWF and 3rd in 2025. She also earned 3rd place at the Central Regionals in the 16U Girls Freestyle 145-pound bracket, solidifying her status as a future top contender.
#10 • Larisza Gomez-Guevara, DeKalb Wrestling
Larisza placed 4th at the 2024 IKWF State Championships and improved to 2nd in 2025, showcasing her technical skill and competitive grit in a highly contested field.
#9 • Jaylene Dealba, East Aurora High School
Jaylene clinched the 2025 IKWF State Championship title after placing 3rd in 2024, firmly establishing herself as one of Illinois’ rising female wrestlers.
#8 • Emily Taylor, Belvidere
Emily is a two-time IKWF state champion, winning titles in both 2024 and 2025. Her dominance in youth girls’ wrestling makes her one of the most exciting prospects entering high school.
#7 • Annabelle Mueller, Hampshire High School
Annabelle won the 2025 IKWF State Championship and placed 2nd in 2024. She went undefeated (7-0) at the 2025 National Duals in Indiana (14U division) and is currently ranked #8 at 105 lbs in IHSA preseason rankings.
#6 • Yariah Shaw, Danville High School
Yariah claimed the 2025 IKWF State Championship and placed 2nd in 2024, making her a two-time state finalist and a standout competitor in Illinois youth wrestling.
#5 • Kendra Ege, Oregon High School
Kendra placed 2nd at the 2025 IKWF State Championships (Senior Girls 95 lbs) and earned All-American honors with a 5th place finish at the 2025 USA Wrestling Nationals in Fargo (16U Girls Freestyle 95 lbs).
#4 • Demetria Griffin, Hope Academy
Demetria won 1st place in the 2024 IKWF season and followed up with a strong 3rd place finish at the 2025 Central Regional tournament, solidifying her status among Illinois’ top youth athletes.
#3 • Stella Piazza, Hampshire High School
Stella earned a state title in 2025 and a 3rd place finish in 2024. At the 2025 National Duals in Indiana, she posted a solid 6-2 record in the 14U division.
#2 • Rain Scott, Oak Forest High School
Rain is a two-time IKWF state champion (2024 & 2025). She went 4-2 at the 2025 National Duals and earned a third-place finish at the Fall Grappler, showcasing her national-level competitiveness.
#1 • Charlotte Nold, St. Viator High School
Charlotte has captured consecutive IKWF State Championships (2024,2025). In 2025, she secured a dominant 16-1 technical fall victory in the finals. At the 2025 USA Wrestling National Duals in Indiana, she went undefeated with a 9-0 record in the 14U division.
| Rank | Wrestler | Class | School | 2025 IKWF Place | 2024 IKWF Place |
| 1 | Charlotte Nold | 2029 | St.Viator | 105 – 1st | 102 – 1st |
| 2 | Rain Scott | 2029 | Oak Forest | 125 – 1st | 126 – 1st |
| 3 | Stella Piazza | 2029 | Hampshire | 115 – 1st | 126 – 3rd |
| 4 | Demetria Griffin | 2029 | Hope Academy | – | 115 – 1st |
| 5 | Kendra Ege | 2029 | Oregon | 95 – 2nd | – |
| 6 | Yariah Shaw | 2029 | Danville HS | 120 – 1st | 115 – 2nd |
| 7 | Annabelle Mueller | 2029 | Hampshire | 100 – 1st | 94 – 2nd |
| 8 | Emily Taylor | 2029 | Belvidere | 145 – 1st | 127 – 1st |
| 9 | Jaylene Dealba | 2029 | East Aurora | 240 – 1st | 240 – 3rd |
| 10 | Larisza Gomez-Guevara | 2029 | DeKalb | 110 – 2nd | 108 – 4th |
| 11 | Eila Barbour | 2029 | Lane Tech | 145 – 3rd | 143 – 2nd |
| 12 | McKenzie Steinke | 2029 | Lincoln Way West | 85 – 2nd | 75 – 4th |
| 13 | Baileigh Self | 2029 | Althoff Catholic | 110 – 3rd | 108 – 2nd |
| 14 | Calliope Willman | 2029 | Metamora HS | 125 – 3rd | – |
| 15 | Kali DeClercq | 2029 | Hononegah | 105 – 7th | – |
• CHRIS GOCHIS / LEAD WRITER FOR ILLINOIS MATWOMEN
