Mountain Crest Girls Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: A Legacy of Excellence, a Future Full of Promise
The 2025 wrestling season at Mountain Crest High School marked both an end and a beginning. Under the leadership of Head Coach Susan Dart, the Mustangs' girls wrestling team maintained its reputation as one of the most dominant programs in Utah. Though the team narrowly missed winning the 4A State Championship—a title they had claimed every year since girls wrestling was sanctioned—they still exceeded expectations and proved why they’re one of the most respected squads in the state.
In a thoughtful reflection, Coach Dart recapped a season filled with inspiration, growth, and grit, sharing what made this group so special—and why the future remains bright.
Senior Class Sets the Standard
At the heart of Mountain Crest’s success this season was an extraordinary senior class, a group that didn’t just win matches—they built a culture. Wrestlers like Shelby Bevin, Addi Baxter, and Erin Smith were more than just athletes; they were role models who laid the foundation for what girls' wrestling has become at Mountain Crest.
“All three helped make MC wrestling what it is today,” said Coach Dart. “They are great examples for our underclassmen and have made a lasting impact.”
These leaders set the tone on and off the mat. Shelby, Erin, along with Maggi Budge and Audrey DeKorver, reached the 4A State Tournament Finals, showcasing their elite skill and mental toughness on the biggest stage. Meanwhile, Laura Stabile, who returned after taking a year off to focus on academics, came back stronger than ever, winning the consolation championship at 170 pounds. Another standout senior, Rachael Godfrey, claimed the consolation title at 190 pounds, highlighting the class's depth and determination.
Their collective efforts made this group unforgettable, not just for what they accomplished, but for how they carried themselves, with what Coach Dart calls “grit, grace, and gratitude.”
Season Summary: Exceeding Expectations Despite a Setback
This season was the first in program history where the team did not capture the 4A State Championship, finishing as runners-up instead. For many programs, that would be considered a major accomplishment—but for Mountain Crest, it was uncharted territory.
Still, Coach Dart was quick to note that the season was a success by many measures.
“We took second, which was better than we were predicted to do,” she said. “Not taking state for the first time was a little disappointing, but I am so proud of our girls and how hard they worked all season.”
A significant part of that success was the team’s strong finish, winning the RedHawk Rumble, Lady Hawk Rumble, and Divisionals. These victories provided momentum heading into the state tournament and underscored the program’s depth and competitiveness.
Breakout Performers and Rising Stars
In addition to the senior stars, several wrestlers emerged throughout the season, stepping into bigger roles and proving that the future of Mountain Crest wrestling is in good hands.
Among the rising talents was Laura Stabile, whose growth after returning from a year off was one of the season’s most inspiring stories. Coach Dart celebrated her journey to her first tournament finals appearance, noting her steady improvement.
Also making waves were Audrey DeKorver, Maddie Halligan, and Maggi Budge, all of whom reached multiple tournament finals, showing consistency and elite-level performance throughout the season.
One of the most exciting additions to the team was freshman MacKenzie Saunders, a first-year wrestler who made rapid progress. Along with Autumn Radmall, another key contributor, these athletes gave a glimpse into what the next generation of Mountain Crest wrestling could look like—hungry, skilled, and coachable.
Overcoming Adversity: A Comeback Story to Remember
No sports season is without challenges, and for Mountain Crest, one of the most emotional and inspiring stories came from Nykell Ferguson. After suffering a torn ACL last season, many would have expected her to hang up her wrestling shoes. But Ferguson had other plans.
She rehabbed, trained, and pushed herself to return—and made it all the way to state.
“She was an inspiration to us all,” said Coach Dart.
Ferguson’s comeback embodied the resilience and mental fortitude that define the program.
Looking Ahead: Leadership, Experience, and Momentum
Though the team will graduate a group of legendary seniors, the pipeline of talent behind them is both deep and seasoned. Coach Dart is excited for what lies ahead, especially with returning seniors Maggi Budge and Audrey DeKorver, as well as Maddie Halligan, who has been working hard during the offseason.
“We return 14 state qualifiers,” said Coach Dart, emphasizing that the next core is already well-versed in what it takes to compete at a high level.
The junior class is just as promising, featuring standouts like Autumn Radmall, Sydney Reisner, Brinlee King, and Aubrey VanHuss. These athletes are expected to play critical roles in maintaining Mountain Crest’s competitive edge and leadership continuity.
Coach Dart also noted the program’s consistent size and strength, with Mountain Crest boasting the largest girls wrestling program in the state for the past five years. That level of participation speaks to the culture, visibility, and success that the program has cultivated, making it a destination for girls who want to wrestle and win.
Offseason Goals: Building Physical Strength
As the program looks to reclaim its state championship in 2026, the focus turns to the offseason. Coach Dart emphasized one key area of growth: physical strength.
“In the offseason, we’re looking at getting physically stronger,” she said.
That focus will not only help individual athletes gain an edge but also raise the team's overall performance level, especially in the higher weight classes where strength plays a critical role.
Where to Follow the Team
For fans, families, and wrestling enthusiasts interested in tracking Mountain Crest’s stats and performances, all data is available on Trackwrestling, the go-to platform for match results, rankings, and more.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Carried Forward
The 2025 season may not have ended with another state championship trophy, but it was far from a step back. If anything, this year reinforced the strength and resilience of Mountain Crest’s program. The legacy of leadership, the depth of young talent, and the commitment to excellence remain intact.
Coach Susan Dart’s squad showed that titles are only part of the story—what truly defines Mountain Crest Wrestling is the culture of hard work, unity, and constant growth.
As they turn the page and set their sights on next season, one thing is clear: the Mustangs aren’t just wrestling for today—they’re building a dynasty for tomorrow.
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