Poway High Girls Wrestling Makes History in 2025 Winter Season
The 2025 winter season will go down as a historic one for Poway High School’s Girls Wrestling team. Under the leadership of Head Coach John Meyers, the Titans not only broke records but shattered expectations—emerging as one of the premier girls wrestling programs in the state. From standout individual performances to incredible team milestones, Poway’s journey this season was a showcase of heart, perseverance, and trailblazing achievement.
Key Contributors Lead the Way
At the forefront of Poway’s success were three standout athletes: Ava Fodera, Ava Ebrahimi, and Alyssa Jones.
Ava Fodera emerged as one of the team’s most dominant wrestlers, culminating her season with a second-place finish at the state championships. Her technical prowess, mental toughness, and relentless work ethic set the tone for her teammates and gave Poway a consistent edge in every meet.
Ava Ebrahimi wasn’t far behind, securing an impressive third-place finish at the same state competition. But more than her podium placement, it was Ava’s evolution into a team leader that truly elevated the team. As Coach Meyers noted, she “solidified herself as a leader” through her actions both on and off the mat. Her leadership, resilience, and maturity made her a cornerstone of the program’s culture.
Alyssa Jones, the team’s senior leader, exemplified courage in its purest form. Just three weeks before the state tournament, Alyssa was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the devastating news and having missed two weeks of training, she made the selfless and inspiring decision to compete in her final high school tournament. Her determination, even in the face of such adversity, became a rallying point for the entire team.
“Alyssa demonstrated all of the qualities you want in a leader,” said Coach Meyers. “Her actions in practice, at tournaments, and in the classroom exemplify what we want our entire girls wrestling program to model.”
A Historic Season
Poway’s season was marked by exceptional results, but none more significant than their triumph at the San Diego Section Masters Championships. The Titans captured the girls section title, a victory that, when paired with the boys' championship win, made history: for the first time, one school held both the boys and girls San Diego Section crowns in the same season.
It was a groundbreaking achievement—not just for Poway High, but for the broader landscape of high school wrestling in California. It reflected the growth, depth, and talent of the Titans’ roster, and signaled a new era of excellence for the program.
Coach Meyers acknowledged the ups and downs that come with any season, but the highlights far outweighed the struggles. “The season went well,” he said. “In any given season you have your ups and downs, but we ended with a high.”
Defining Moments and Turning Points
One of the most important shifts for the program came with the hiring of Coach Jordin Humphrey, a former collegiate wrestler from Ohio State University. Brought in specifically to support and develop the girls team, Coach Humphrey brought a wealth of experience and technical knowledge that elevated training sessions and gave the wrestlers new tools and confidence.
“Coach Humphrey has helped us tremendously,” said Coach Meyers. Her presence was not just a tactical advantage, but also a sign of the school’s commitment to investing in girls athletics.
Another turning point came through the team’s emotional response to Alyssa Jones' diagnosis. Rather than crumbling under the weight of fear or uncertainty, the team drew closer. They rallied around their senior leader and found new strength in her courage. It was a season defined not only by wins, but by unity.
A Program on the Rise
The growth of the girls program at Poway has been nothing short of remarkable. In just one year, participation numbers more than doubled—from 5 to 11 athletes. That expansion speaks volumes about the team culture, leadership, and momentum the program is building.
Coach Meyers is also enthusiastic about what’s coming next. “We have some really great girls coming through our kids program right now,” he said. With a strong foundation in place and a growing pipeline of young talent, the future looks incredibly bright for Poway wrestling.
The off-season work is already underway, with several wrestlers competing in national tournaments and pushing themselves academically by taking challenging classes. Coach Meyers believes this year’s squad is doing “everything right so far,” balancing athletic development with academic discipline—a hallmark of a truly elite program.
A Culture of Character and Commitment
What sets Poway apart isn’t just the medals or the championships—it’s the character that runs through the heart of the program. From Ava Ebrahimi’s growth into leadership to Alyssa Jones’ courageous final stand, the 2025 team was defined by resilience, mutual respect, and an unshakable sense of purpose.
Coach Meyers’ leadership has cultivated an environment where excellence is expected but never at the cost of integrity. His focus on developing student-athletes who thrive both on and off the mat ensures that success is sustainable and meaningful.
Looking Forward
As the Titans shift their focus to the 2026 season, the outlook is nothing but promising. With new leadership emerging, seasoned coaches at the helm, and a deepening roster of talented and driven athletes, Poway High School is poised to remain a force in California wrestling.
The legacy of the 2025 team—marked by historic victories, unbreakable spirit, and standout individual stories—will serve as a source of inspiration for the years to come.
Congratulations to the Poway Titans Girls Wrestling team for an unforgettable 2025 season—your story has just begun.
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