Girls wrestling at Freedom is only three years old, but the Pates hope this can be a year where they can take another step forward in the direction of the program.

Michele Laubach returns to lead the program again this year after a 3-1 season a year ago and has excitement about the returning group of wrestlers she has at her disposal.

“We will look to be competitive in the EPC and expect our top returners to make an impact this year in the postseason,” said Laubach. “Last year we had five girls medal at the first ever girls EPC tournament and we’re also expecting some growth in returning wrestlers who have competed over the summer.”

Senior and team captain Alyssa Laubach (130) returns after a 15 win season a year ago, but she is draped by underclassmen returners including juniors Anaya Velez (155, team captain), Shayla Ames (170) and Charlotte Sampson (190).

Sophomores Amiya Rivera (106), Lilliana Nelson (118), Ava Wienmeyer (124), Alessya Nieves (136) and Alexis Horvath (148).

Freshmen Leilani Matias (100), Jedah Canty (155), Gianna Garces (155), Nyzaiah Wyman (190) and Zoellies Rivera (HWT) highlight a new crop of wrestlers, along with upper classmen Emma Lewis (170, So.) and Mikayla Hopson (170, Jr.).

With 18 girls in the program, Laubach feels she has a good base under the team this year.

“Our focus this year continues to be to build the culture of the team now that we have wrestlers who were part of team one and have been a part of the program for three years,” she said. “One goal is to fill every weight class and we have the highest number rostered in three years so we are attracting some athletes and a lot are freshmen. We still have a lot of work to do to be a top contending program in a competitive EPC league. We will look to be more competitive as the EPC adds more girls teams, providing more opportunities, which exist through organizations like Wrestle Like a Girl who are showcasing more local tournaments where we are competing.”