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Bartlett High School girls wrestling Season Preview

girls wrestling
Winter Recap 2025 Play1
Sun, June 22, 2025 at 08:06 AM . Tennessee

Bartlett Girls Wrestling 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Team on the Brink of Greatness

The 2025 winter season was a breakthrough campaign for the Bartlett High School Girls Wrestling team. Led by the passionate and driven Coach Rodrigo Galvan, the Hawks emerged as a rising force in the Illinois wrestling scene. With a combination of experienced state-level talent and fast-developing newcomers, this season was defined by near-victories against nationally ranked opponents, dominant tournament performances, and the promise of even greater success on the horizon.

Strong Finish, Stronger Foundation

Ask Coach Galvan how the season went, and his enthusiasm is unmistakable. “We were on the verge of beating some nationally ranked teams and came in second in a tournament in Illinois. We are close to making some major moves!!” That excitement is well justified. The team took major steps forward this year—not just in results, but in the way they competed, trained, and believed in themselves. The Hawks didn’t just participate; they contended. Every match, every drill, and every tournament outing was a reflection of the high standard Coach Galvan has instilled in his athletes. It’s no longer a question of if Bartlett can compete with the best—it's a matter of when they’ll break through.

State Standouts: PJ McKendry and Ayanna Omollo

At the center of the Hawks’ success were two exceptional competitors: PJ McKendry and Ayanna Omollo, both of whom earned podium finishes at the state level. Their results are not only a testament to their individual talent and hard work but also to the strength of the program that helped develop them. McKendry was a consistent force on the mat, using her technique and determination to secure major wins throughout the season. Omollo, meanwhile, not only succeeded in competition but also served as the team’s emotional and motivational leader. “Ayanna Omollo is the best captain I’ve ever coached,” said Coach Galvan, a powerful statement that highlights the kind of impact she made both in and out of the circle.

Rapid Growth from Rising Stars

A major storyline this season was the rapid progress made by the team’s newer wrestlers. “The new girls caught up to everyone else extremely fast,” Galvan shared, noting how quickly his less experienced athletes adjusted to the intensity of varsity-level competition. Among those making major strides were Ella Berg, Lauren Arrington, Emily Upshaw, and TK Cannon. These athletes stepped into bigger roles as the season progressed, embracing every challenge and making their presence known in key meets and tournaments. Their development wasn’t just encouraging—it was transformational for a team looking to deepen its lineup and build long-term success.

Battling Through Adversity

The season wasn’t without its challenges. Like any contact sport, wrestling comes with its share of injuries, and this year was no different for Bartlett. But the Hawks never wavered. “They fought through the injuries,” said Galvan, “and the longer the season went, the more intense they practiced and drilled.” That response speaks volumes about the culture of toughness and accountability that defines this group. Rather than let setbacks derail them, the team leaned into the grind, outworking their competition and finding strength through adversity. It’s that kind of grit that separates good teams from great ones.

Senior Leadership and Legacy

While the future is bright, the contributions of this year’s seniors can’t be overstated. Their leadership, drive, and resilience laid the groundwork for the success that’s just beginning to unfold. At the heart of that senior class was Ayanna Omollo, whose presence as a captain set the tone for the team’s mentality and effort. “She’s the best captain I’ve ever coached,” repeated Coach Galvan, a tribute to the way Omollo led by example, inspired her teammates, and helped shape the next generation of Bartlett wrestlers. Her impact will be felt long after her final match.

Looking Ahead: A Program Poised for Takeoff

The most exciting part of Bartlett’s 2025 season isn’t just what they accomplished—it’s what’s coming next. The returning core includes state placers, fast-rising talent, and a group of girls who are fully committed to the sport year-round. “A lot of these girls are dedicated to year-round wrestling,” Galvan explained, “and we have some good 8th-grade girls coming into the program.” That combination of existing firepower and incoming potential has the Hawks set up for even bigger things in 2026. With a pipeline of motivated young athletes and a varsity squad that’s already shown it can push elite teams to the brink, Bartlett is positioned to be one of the premier programs in the state—and possibly even make a mark on the national stage.

Offseason Focus: Strengthening the Mind and Body

As the offseason begins, Coach Galvan is already zeroing in on the next phase of development. “We’re looking to improve mental toughness and physical strength,” he noted—two pillars that can make the difference in tight matches and tournament finals. Training will intensify. The drills will get sharper. The expectations will rise. And if this past season was any indication, the Hawks are ready for all of it.

Where to Follow the Hawks

For fans, families, and wrestling enthusiasts eager to track the progress of this rising squad, stats and results from the season are available on https://www.trackwrestling.com, where the team’s performances can be reviewed meet by meet.

Final Thoughts: Just Getting Started

The 2025 season was more than a successful run—it was a signal. Bartlett Girls Wrestling isn’t just growing; it’s thriving. The team’s combination of elite leadership, rapidly improving athletes, and unwavering determination makes them one of the most exciting programs to watch in Illinois. Under the direction of Coach Rodrigo Galvan, the Hawks are redefining what’s possible and setting their sights higher every year. They came close to breaking through this winter, but close isn’t good enough for this group. They’re coming back stronger. They’re coming back tougher. And the rest of the state—and maybe even the nation—better be ready.
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