Highland High School in Indiana reports that its girls’ wrestling team is entering the new season with momentum and growing confidence. This follows a strong debut under head coach Lauren Bastaic, who led the program through its first year of Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA)-sanctioned competition.
Last season, Highland’s girls’ lineup achieved immediate success. “We were lucky enough to have a pretty good club that brings up, and we really push females joining the sport,” Bastaic said. The support translated into results, producing a state champion and two state qualifiers in their first year. “First year, I can’t ask for too much more. That’s pretty good,” she added.
This year’s team includes seasoned veterans alongside a large group of newcomers. According to Bastaic, the challenge lies in training athletes at different levels. “Practices are a little bit difficult because we have ours that know we don’t need the basics, but they’ve been great helping our newbies… it’s just so many different levels,” she said.
Reflecting on the growth of the sport, Bastaic remarked: “Ten years ago, she would be the only girl at tournaments… now they’re only wrestling other females, but it’s full teams. It’s exciting.”
