Building a Legacy: Page High School Girls Wrestling Caps Off Promising 2025 Season
The 2025 winter wrestling season was a landmark year for the Page High School Girls Wrestling Team, as Head Coach Steve Smith guided a talented but youthful squad through a season full of growth, resilience, and breakout performances. While the team didn’t quite reach its goals at the state level, the foundation laid this year sets the stage for a bright and competitive future.
With senior leadership, standout performances, and a remarkably talented freshman class, the Sand Devils are poised to become a force in Arizona girls wrestling for years to come.
Leading the Way: Key Contributors Step Up
At the heart of this season’s success were a few standout names who consistently delivered on the mat and in the practice room. Logan Rivers emerged as one of the team’s top wrestlers, capturing her home tournament title and earning a state medal, a performance that Coach Smith identified as one of the season’s defining moments.
“She’s got two more years left,” Smith said, “and she’s only going to get better.”
Another cornerstone of the team was Mya Tsinninjinnie, the team’s senior leader and emotional anchor. Mya not only performed at a high level throughout the season, but she also earned offers to wrestle at the next level, ultimately committing to Buena Vista University—a major milestone for the program.
“She did an awesome job leading the team,” Smith noted. “We’re going to miss her, but she’s set a great example for the others.”
Joining Logan and Mya were several promising underclassmen, including Shanelle Tallsalt, a junior who began to show her full potential as the season progressed, and a standout freshman class that included Neveah Tapaha, Demarius Morris, and Shaylnn Clark.
Youth Movement: Freshman Class Impresses
One of the biggest stories of the season was the emergence of a strong and deep freshman class, which promises to carry the team forward for years to come.
“This year’s freshman class did amazing,” said Smith. “I can’t wait to watch them grow over the next three years.”
Neveah Tapaha, Demarius Morris, and Shaylnn Clark quickly found their rhythm in varsity competition, each contributing to the team’s tournament performances and showing growth in both skill and mat awareness. Their immediate impact, combined with their long-term potential, gives the Page program depth and future star power.
Defining Moments & Highlights
While the team’s state finish didn’t meet Coach Smith’s expectations, the season had plenty of bright spots. Chief among them was Logan Rivers winning the home tournament, a morale-boosting achievement in front of the Sand Devils' fans. Logan also capped off her season with a state medal, further establishing herself as one of the top young wrestlers in the state.
Equally significant was Mya Tsinninjinnie’s post-season decision to continue her wrestling journey at Buena Vista University. Her recruitment is a milestone for the program, signaling that Page High School can develop athletes capable of competing at the next level.
Rising Leadership & Future Stars
As the season wore on, other athletes began stepping into leadership and competitive roles. Most notably, Shanelle Tallsalt, a junior, developed into a consistent performer who made strides in her technique and match strategy.
“She wrestled really well and will be a force next season,” Smith said confidently.
Shanelle’s development points to a maturing team culture—one where younger athletes are embracing opportunities and preparing to lead. With her experience and continued progress, she’s expected to be a major contributor next winter.
Handling Adversity: The Grit of a Team
While Coach Smith didn’t detail every challenge, it’s clear that the Sand Devils’ season wasn’t without its share of adversity. From tough losses to the growing pains of a young squad, the team responded with grit and resilience.
“We didn’t finish well at state,” Smith admitted, “but a lot of that had to do with youth.”
It’s a common theme in high school sports—young athletes learning to compete on the big stage. For Page, the experience this season will pay dividends in the long run. Exposure to high-level competition, especially for freshmen, is invaluable and will shape their development in future seasons.
Senior Impact: Farewell to a Leader
The program says goodbye to senior Mya Tsinninjinnie, whose leadership was as impactful as her wrestling. Mya's consistency and energy set the tone for the rest of the team, and her ability to compete at a high level while guiding younger teammates made her an invaluable presence.
“She was our leader,” Smith said simply. “She did an awesome job.”
Her departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but it also presents an opportunity for rising athletes like Shanelle Tallsalt and Logan Rivers to embrace leadership roles.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
There’s a great deal to be excited about in Page’s wrestling room. With a loaded freshman class, a returning state medalist in Logan Rivers, and key upperclassmen ready to lead, the program is entering a new era of potential.
Coach Smith is especially enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
“The future is bright,” he said. “This team is young, talented, and hungry. If they stay focused and keep working, we’re going to take big steps forward.”
Offseason Goals
As the team heads into the offseason, the focus will be on building strength, refining technique, and gaining more experience through camps, open mats, and competition opportunities. With the talent in the room and a coach committed to long-term development, Page is set to continue climbing the state rankings.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season was one of promise, progress, and preparation. While the final standings at state may not reflect the full potential of the team, the strides made throughout the year—both individually and as a group—set the stage for a very bright future.
Under Coach Steve Smith’s leadership, and with a core of young athletes eager to build their legacy, Page High School Girls Wrestling is on a mission—not just to compete, but to become a contender at the state level for years to come.
For full stats and match breakdowns, visit Trackwrestling.com.
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