As the winter season approaches, the girls wrestling squad is preparing to build on the foundation of what has quickly become a promising program. With official recognition secured only recently, this preseason marks a pivotal moment for the young team as they work to establish their culture, cohesion, and competitive identity. 

“Over the summer, we had training, and I was able to meet a lot of the new girls, [and help] out the girls who are just starting,” Sofia Turek ‘26 said.

The girls wrestling team officially began competing in the 2022–2023 season when the first cohort of 11 athletes stepped onto the mats for the Lions. According to the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, that inaugural season saw the team finish fifth in the West Suburban Conference meet, an impressive result for such a new program.

Since that first season, girls wrestling has continued to grow in both numbers and ambition. The increased participation reflects the national surge in girls wrestling, which has quickly become one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country. The current roster for girls wrestling is 27, Varsity Coach Darwin Depina said.

Heading into the preseason, the Lions are concentrating on four main objectives.

“First, technique and fundamentals, with many wrestlers still relatively new to the sport, mastering the basics remains the top priority,” Depina said.

Coaches are dedicating significant time to positional work, takedowns, escapes, and mat control—skills that form the backbone of competitive wrestling. 

Second, team culture and confidence: wrestling can often feel like an individual sport, but the coaches emphasize teamwork and unity. Building trust, supporting one another, and fostering a positive environment help wrestlers gain confidence, both on and off the mat. 

“The team is great when it comes to team chemistry,” Depina said. “We have quite a few girl wrestlers returning from last year and have really taken a leadership role in helping all the new wrestlers so far during practice by helping to show wrestling moves and how to practice.” 

Through shared drills, team bonding, and a supportive environment, the Lions are building a sense of belonging that extends beyond the mat. 

Third, competition readiness: this season, the team’s goal isn’t just participation; it’s to compete. Returning wrestlers, including several juniors and sophomores who found success last year, are stepping into leadership roles to help newer teammates adjust to the demands of the sport. 

“Champions aren’t defined by the stage they stand on, but by the work they put in long before they get there,” Turek said.

Fourth, growth and expansion: filling all weight classes remains a key milestone. Beyond technical skills and conditioning, the Lions are also focusing on building mental toughness—a quality Depina emphasizes as essential for success in a demanding sport like wrestling. Athletes are working on resilience, confidence, and learning how to approach challenges with a growth mindset. Whether it’s pushing through a tough drill or bouncing back after a difficult match, the team is developing the mental discipline needed to perform under pressure. This commitment to strengthening both body and mind is helping the wrestlers prepare for the intense competition ahead. 

“True strength isn’t just in the muscles you build, but in the mindset you refuse to break,” Turek said.

As girls wrestling gains traction statewide, the girls wrestling program hopes to attract more athletes and continue its upward trend. With rising interest across the state, the program is also working to increase visibility within the school community. Team members and coaches have been encouraging students to attend matches, learn about the sport, and even try a practice session to see if wrestling might be a good fit. By showcasing the supportive culture and opportunities for personal growth, the Lions hope to inspire more student-athletes to join and help strengthen the program for years to come.

“Our first home meet [was] versus Riverside Brookfield on Nov. 26,” Depina said.”This [was] the annual LT wrestling program alumni meet, where all former LT wrestlers come and are recognized for wrestling at LT. It’s a great opening to the season.” 

Coaches emphasize that leadership on this team is measured not only by wins, but also by consistency, encouragement, and dedication, traits that set the tone for the entire program. 

“Wrestlers who have played on the team already play a key role in modeling these qualities for newer teammates,” Depina said. 

By demonstrating a strong work ethic during practice, offering tips on technique, and supporting teammates through challenges, they create an environment where everyone feels motivated to improve. This focus on character and teamwork helps ensure that success isn’t just measured on the scoreboard, but also in the growth and cohesion of the team as a whole.

“We have some returning wrestlers at 100, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, and 155 weight classes that will be very competitive as well as some new wrestlers and other weight classes that will be determined during challenge matches at practice,” Depina said.

The athletic department has embraced the growth of the girls wrestling team, Turek said. Wrestling is listed as a non-cut sport for girls this winter, allowing any interested student to participate. This inclusive approach helps expand the sport’s reach and encourages new athletes to give wrestling a try.

“Everyone is becoming a lot closer by being partners with anyone and having a community,” she said. 

“The sense of community extends beyond the mat, fostering friendships and mutual support that strengthen the team’s overall performance. Wrestlers are learning to trust one another, share feedback, and celebrate each other’s progress, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. This bond not only improves collaboration during practice but also helps each athlete feel valued and motivated, making the team stronger both on and off the mats,” Depina said.

“With every step forward, we’re not just building a stronger roster, we’re building a stronger identity. The commitment we bring today becomes the legacy we leave tomorrow,” Depina said.

As the new season begins, the team has set several benchmarks, improving their placement at conference meets, producing more individual breakout performances at regionals, and fielding a full lineup in dual meets. Retaining returning wrestlers while recruiting new ones will be essential for continued growth. 

“One of my personal goals is to win the conference and make it to sectionals,” said Turek. 

 Individual goals like these reflect the ambition and drive that fuel the team as a whole. While each wrestler strives for personal milestones, their successes contribute to the collective energy and motivation of the group. Coaches emphasize that setting high standards encourages athletes to push themselves in practice, refine their techniques, and develop the mental toughness needed to perform under pressure. This balance of personal achievement and team support helps the Lions aim higher every season.

“Every great program starts with belief, belief in the work, belief in each other, and belief that the future can be greater than the past,” Depina said. The girls’ wrestling team is still young, but the foundation is solid. With dedicated athletes, strong leadership, and growing community backing, the Lions are ready to take the next step. As the mats roll out and the whistle signals the start of another season, girls wrestling looks poised to make noise in the high school wrestling scene, one takedown at a time.