Alta Loma Girls Wrestling Makes History in Inaugural Season
The 2025 winter season marked a significant milestone at Alta Loma High School, as the school’s girls wrestling program officially took the mat for its first full season. Guided by Head Coach Sadie Forman, a former high school and collegiate wrestler, the team did far more than just participate—they competed, grew, and made their mark in a sport that continues to evolve and expand for female athletes.
Coach Forman spoke with us about the team’s impressive debut, its key contributors, and the bright future ahead. What’s clear is this: Alta Loma Girls Wrestling has arrived—and they’re here to stay.
Building a Foundation with Heart and Grit
In any program’s first year, establishing a foundation is as important as any win. Coach Forman believes that the program’s roots were firmly planted this season thanks to the leadership, toughness, and commitment of two standout athletes: Jaslyn Martinez and Gwen Lopez.
“Jaslyn was a rock for the team,” Forman said. “She is tough, disciplined, and set the tone in the room every single day.” Jaslyn's example inspired her teammates to elevate their intensity and focus, helping cultivate a serious yet supportive team environment. Her consistency and leadership by example were pivotal in laying the groundwork for the culture Coach Forman hopes to build.
Gwen Lopez, meanwhile, came into her own over the course of the season, emerging as a tenacious and fearless competitor. “She showed a lot of heart in matches and brought energy and grit when we needed it most,” said Forman. Gwen’s ability to rise to the occasion made her a key component of the team’s success, both on and off the mat.
A Season of Firsts and Milestones
For a brand-new program, success is often measured in growth—and by that metric, Alta Loma exceeded expectations.
“We had more girls qualify for CIF than ever before, which is a huge accomplishment,” Coach Forman shared. “Just seeing how far the team has come from the beginning to the end of the season—it’s been amazing.”
Forman emphasized that it wasn’t just about individual wins, but about how the girls bought into the process, supported one another, and competed with confidence. Alta Loma didn’t merely show up—they made a statement. The team brought visibility to girls wrestling at the school and set a high standard for future seasons.
Development and Emergence
One of the brightest stories this season was the growth of Delaney McGowan. At the beginning of the year, Delaney was still learning the ropes and figuring out her place in the lineup. But as the season progressed, so did she.
“Delaney made huge strides,” Forman said. “She got more aggressive, more confident, and started to take initiative on and off the mat.” That evolution from a hesitant newcomer to a motivated leader was one of the most rewarding developments of the year for the coaching staff and the team as a whole.
Facing Adversity with Resilience
As with any wrestling season, there were bumps in the road—injuries, tough matchups, and heartbreaking losses. But this team, despite being in its infancy, showed remarkable resilience.
“These girls kept showing up,” said Forman. “They didn’t back down. Instead, they leaned on each other, found ways to adapt, and kept grinding.”
For a first-year team, that kind of mental toughness isn’t typical—but it speaks volumes about the character of the athletes and the culture Forman is building. Wrestling is among the most demanding sports physically and emotionally, and these young women met the challenge with grit and unity.
Senior Leadership That Will Leave a Legacy
In a program’s first year, the role of seniors becomes even more critical—they set the tone for generations to come. Coach Forman credits her seniors with creating the atmosphere that allowed the team to thrive.
“They brought maturity, leadership, and heart,” she explained. “Even though this was our first season as an official girls team, some of them had been around wrestling already and used that experience to guide the newer girls.”
Whether it was helping with technique, lifting spirits after a tough loss, or making practices fun while still focused, the senior class left behind more than just memories—they left a blueprint for what being a part of Alta Loma Girls Wrestling is all about.
Looking Ahead: Youth, Hunger, and Purpose
What excites Coach Forman most is that this is just the beginning. Many of her athletes will return next season—only now, they bring with them postseason experience, confidence, and drive.
“They’ve tasted success, and now they want more,” Forman said. “They’re proud to be part of this team, and they’re committed to helping it grow.”
Beyond the wins and losses, Forman sees something even more important happening. “We’re not just building wrestlers,” she said. “We’re building a culture that empowers girls in a space that hasn’t always welcomed them.”
As someone who wrestled at a time when opportunities for girls were few and far between, Coach Forman knows just how meaningful this growth is. “When I was competing, chances like this weren’t as common. Now, to be leading a program and helping these athletes find their voice and strength through wrestling—it means everything.”
Offseason Goals: Mat Work and Mindset
As the team looks to the offseason, Coach Forman’s priorities are clear: sharpening technique, improving conditioning, and strengthening mental toughness. One specific area of focus will be scramble situations and mat wrestling, critical skills that often make the difference in tight matches.
But just as important is continuing to nurture the team’s evolving identity. “We want to keep strengthening our team culture,” Forman said. “Making sure the girls know they belong here and that they’re capable of doing big things.”
That sense of belonging and empowerment will fuel the team’s efforts in the offseason and carry them into the next year.
Tracking Progress
Fans and supporters can follow the team’s progress and results through Trackwrestling, where all dual meet and tournament outcomes are posted. Simply search Alta Loma High School to find stats and records.
Conclusion: A Movement in Motion
Alta Loma’s 2025 girls wrestling season was more than just a beginning—it was a statement. Led by passionate athletes and a dedicated coach, the team has not only laid a strong foundation but also inspired others to believe in what’s possible.
In a sport still breaking down barriers for women, the Alta Loma Warriors aren’t just competing—they’re creating change. As Coach Forman put it: “I’m proud to be a part of this movement and this team.”
And with a hungry, talented core returning and a coach who sees wrestling as both sport and service, the future for Alta Loma Girls Wrestling looks incredibly bright.
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