The Lady Monarch wrestling squad is pictured from left, front row, Calean McCullough, Annabelle Price, Haley Winans, Emma Swart, Cali Leng and Katie Palmer; second row, Olana Chapman, Malia Burkhardt, Hannah Longbrake, Courtney Tuller, Madie Adelsberger and Aubrey Reese; third row, coach Shawn Andrews, Isabella Deahl, Nevaya Natividad, Olivia Ishmael, Lauren Sloboda, Mia Oribello and coach Terri Waller. Not pictured, Emily Segner, Heily Ramos and Sophia Smegal. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
Marysville High School’s girls wrestling program continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
A couple of years ago, the Lady Monarchs had a handful of girls on the roster.
During the 2019-20 campaign, the final number was approximately 10.
The roster has doubled in size for the 2020-21 season.
There are 20 girls on the roster under first-year head coach Terri Waller.
Returning lettermen for the Lady Monarchs include Mia Oribello (132), Calli Lang (121), Madison Adelsberger (116), Emma Swart (111) and Lauren Sloboda (143).
Among the top newcomers to the team are Katie Palmer (143) and Sophia Smegal (150).
“Our program is rapidly growing and the girls are picking up things very quickly,” said Waller. “If we keep things pushing, these girls are going to pick up victories this season.”
If there is one concern for the new coach, it’s a lack of overall experience.
“Some of the teams we will face this season have had girls wrestling programs longer than we have,” she said.
Waller said the 20-21 roster grew as a result of word-of-mouth among last year’s returning lettermen.
“The girls have basically recruited themselves,” she said. “That makes it a lot easier for the coaches.”
Waller’s goals aren’t that complex as the Lady Monarch mat program continues to expand.
“We want the girls to enjoy wrestling and have a good time with it,” she said. “That, I believe, will help us to continue to grow our roster in the coming years.”