Aberdeen Central Girls Wrestling Builds Momentum with Breakout 2025 Season
In a year marked by growth, grit, and determination, the Aberdeen Central High School girls wrestling team continued its ascent on the South Dakota wrestling scene during the 2025 winter season. Led by Head Coach Jake Flakus, the team made significant strides both individually and collectively—earning respect, winning hardware, and laying a solid foundation for future success.
With 30 athletes from grades 6–12 in the program, the Golden Eagles posted an impressive 7th-place team finish at the state tournament and saw five wrestlers place on the podium with Jasmine Maas (8th) and Lin Paw Jones (7th), all of whom are expected to return next season. For a team that set its sights on a top-six finish, it was a near miss but a clear signal that Aberdeen Central is becoming a force in South Dakota girls wrestling.
Emerging Stars and State Podium Finishers
Two names stood out for Aberdeen Central this year: Lilly Nelson and Madison Little. Both were instrumental to the team’s success, not just because of their results, but because of the leadership and heart they brought to the mat.
Lilly Nelson took a significant leap forward, both technically and as a team leader. Her 4th-place finish at the state tournament was a testament to the work she put in throughout the year. More importantly, she became a cornerstone in building team culture—an athlete who led by example and raised the standard in the wrestling room.
Madison Little delivered one of the season’s most memorable performances, battling her way to a 3rd-place finish at state. Her determination and poise in high-pressure matches made her a standout competitor and someone Coach Flakus could count on to perform when it mattered most.
Another standout came in the form of Rakyrah Wallace, a newcomer to the sport who made remarkable progress throughout the year. Despite her limited experience, Wallace improved steadily and peaked at the right time, placing 6th at state and helping push the Golden Eagles up the team standings.
A Season of Growth and Milestones
From a numbers standpoint, the program is thriving. Fielding a roster of 30 girls was a milestone achievement for Coach Flakus and his staff, showing that the culture and excitement around girls' wrestling in Aberdeen are stronger than ever. That increased depth brought fresh energy to the team and created a competitive environment that helped elevate performance across all levels.
“This season went well in terms of growth,” Flakus said. “We finished just short of our team goal—top 6 at state—but we made big strides.”
One of the defining moments of the year came at the 2024 Madison Invitational, where Aberdeen Central captured its first team tournament title of the season. That early victory was a turning point. It signaled that the work being put in during the offseason and early practices was paying off, and it gave the team a taste of what winning as a unit felt like.
“That win really gave our girls confidence,” Flakus noted. “It showed them what we were capable of as a team.”
Depth, Resilience, and Rising Talent
While state placers tend to draw headlines, the team’s overall success was rooted in depth and resilience. Throughout the season, the Golden Eagles were tested by injuries and lineup changes, forcing younger or less experienced wrestlers into varsity roles.
Instead of faltering, they stepped up.
“The team had to band together,” said Coach Flakus. “New individuals had to step into the varsity lineup, and they responded well. That kind of pressure builds character.”
The growth of those wrestlers, especially newcomers like Rakyrah Wallace, will pay dividends in future seasons, as Aberdeen Central continues to build not just a starting lineup but an entire program capable of competing across weight classes and tournaments.
Senior Leadership: Small in Number, Big in Impact
Aberdeen Central’s senior class may not have been large in numbers, but it was huge in morale and spirit. The two seniors played a crucial role in keeping the team connected, supportive, and energized throughout the grind of a long wrestling season.
“They brought about team morale,” said Flakus. “Both added to it in different ways, but they were the type of girls you wanted to have around. They made the room better.”
Their leadership ensured that even as the season grew challenging—physically and emotionally—the team stayed focused on collective goals and continued to push each other toward excellence.
The Future is Bright
If the 2025 season was a step forward, the future promises even more. Every single state placewinner is returning, as are all varsity starters. That continuity gives the program a rare level of stability and experience heading into the next season, and the momentum gained this year is already fueling offseason plans.
“Our expectations are higher now,” Flakus explained. “We hope to improve on our 7th-place finish and crack the top 6 next year.”
The coaching staff also plans to put a heavy focus on technical improvements, particularly in the bottom position—a key area that can make the difference between advancing and falling short in close matches.
“We want to work on our bottom skills to be able to fend off turns and add more escapes,” Flakus said. “That’s a huge priority this offseason.”
Wrestling Culture on the Rise
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this past season is the growth of wrestling culture at Aberdeen Central, especially among girls. The increased turnout, competitive spirit, and strong performances show that the sport is thriving and attracting athletes who want to challenge themselves in new ways.
The success of wrestlers like Nelson, Little, and Wallace is inspiring the next wave of athletes. And with experienced leaders returning and a coaching staff committed to long-term development, Aberdeen Central is on a fast track toward becoming one of the premier girls wrestling programs in the state.
Tracking the Journey
For those looking to follow the team’s continued rise, results and updates can be found on Trackwrestling and SDsportscene, where Aberdeen Central’s athletes and stats are regularly updated.
Final Word: A Season to Remember, A Future to Watch
The 2025 season was more than just a collection of wins and losses—it was a season of breakthroughs. From new talent stepping up, to established leaders setting the tone, to the entire team rallying through adversity, Aberdeen Central’s girls wrestling team showed heart, hunger, and huge potential.
Coach Jake Flakus and his team are already laying the groundwork for next season, with bigger goals, returning talent, and a fierce desire to climb higher.
If this season was any indication, Aberdeen Central isn’t just building a strong team—they’re building a legacy.
 and Lin Paw Jones (7th), all of whom are expected to return next season. For a team that set its sights on a top-six finish, it was a near miss but a clear signal that Aberdeen Central is becoming a force in South Dakota girls wrestling.
Emerging Stars and State Podium Finishers
Two names stood out for Aberdeen Central this year: Lilly Nelson and Madison Little. Both were instrumental to the team’s success, not just because of their results, but because of the leadership and heart they brought to the mat.
Lilly Nelson took a significant leap forward, both technically and as a team leader. Her 4th-place finish at the state tournament was a testament to the work she put in throughout the year. More importantly, she became a cornerstone in building team culture—an athlete who led by example and raised the standard in the wrestling room.
Madison Little delivered one of the season’s most memorable performances, battling her way to a 3rd-place finish at state. Her determination and poise in high-pressure matches made her a standout competitor and someone Coach Flakus could count on to perform when it mattered most.
Another standout came in the form of Rakyrah Wallace, a newcomer to the sport who made remarkable progress throughout the year. Despite her limited experience, Wallace improved steadily and peaked at the right time, placing 6th at state and helping push the Golden Eagles up the team standings.
A Season of Growth and Milestones
From a numbers standpoint, the program is thriving. Fielding a roster of 30 girls was a milestone achievement for Coach Flakus and his staff, showing that the culture and excitement around girls' wrestling in Aberdeen are stronger than ever. That increased depth brought fresh energy to the team and created a competitive environment that helped elevate performance across all levels.
“This season went well in terms of growth,” Flakus said. “We finished just short of our team goal—top 6 at state—but we made big strides.”
One of the defining moments of the year came at the 2024 Madison Invitational, where Aberdeen Central captured its first team tournament title of the season. That early victory was a turning point. It signaled that the work being put in during the offseason and early practices was paying off, and it gave the team a taste of what winning as a unit felt like.
“That win really gave our girls confidence,” Flakus noted. “It showed them what we were capable of as a team.”
Depth, Resilience, and Rising Talent
While state placers tend to draw headlines, the team’s overall success was rooted in depth and resilience. Throughout the season, the Golden Eagles were tested by injuries and lineup changes, forcing younger or less experienced wrestlers into varsity roles.
Instead of faltering, they stepped up.
“The team had to band together,” said Coach Flakus. “New individuals had to step into the varsity lineup, and they responded well. That kind of pressure builds character.”
The growth of those wrestlers, especially newcomers like Rakyrah Wallace, will pay dividends in future seasons, as Aberdeen Central continues to build not just a starting lineup but an entire program capable of competing across weight classes and tournaments.
Senior Leadership: Small in Number, Big in Impact
Aberdeen Central’s senior class may not have been large in numbers, but it was huge in morale and spirit. The two seniors played a crucial role in keeping the team connected, supportive, and energized throughout the grind of a long wrestling season.
“They brought about team morale,” said Flakus. “Both added to it in different ways, but they were the type of girls you wanted to have around. They made the room better.”
Their leadership ensured that even as the season grew challenging—physically and emotionally—the team stayed focused on collective goals and continued to push each other toward excellence.
The Future is Bright
If the 2025 season was a step forward, the future promises even more. Every single state placewinner is returning, as are all varsity starters. That continuity gives the program a rare level of stability and experience heading into the next season, and the momentum gained this year is already fueling offseason plans.
“Our expectations are higher now,” Flakus explained. “We hope to improve on our 7th-place finish and crack the top 6 next year.”
The coaching staff also plans to put a heavy focus on technical improvements, particularly in the bottom position—a key area that can make the difference between advancing and falling short in close matches.
“We want to work on our bottom skills to be able to fend off turns and add more escapes,” Flakus said. “That’s a huge priority this offseason.”
Wrestling Culture on the Rise
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this past season is the growth of wrestling culture at Aberdeen Central, especially among girls. The increased turnout, competitive spirit, and strong performances show that the sport is thriving and attracting athletes who want to challenge themselves in new ways.
The success of wrestlers like Nelson, Little, and Wallace is inspiring the next wave of athletes. And with experienced leaders returning and a coaching staff committed to long-term development, Aberdeen Central is on a fast track toward becoming one of the premier girls wrestling programs in the state.
Tracking the Journey
For those looking to follow the team’s continued rise, results and updates can be found on Trackwrestling and SDsportscene, where Aberdeen Central’s athletes and stats are regularly updated.
Final Word: A Season to Remember, A Future to Watch
The 2025 season was more than just a collection of wins and losses—it was a season of breakthroughs. From new talent stepping up, to established leaders setting the tone, to the entire team rallying through adversity, Aberdeen Central’s girls wrestling team showed heart, hunger, and huge potential.
Coach Jake Flakus and his team are already laying the groundwork for next season, with bigger goals, returning talent, and a fierce desire to climb higher.
If this season was any indication, Aberdeen Central isn’t just building a strong team—they’re building a legacy.){kind=tracking}
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