Dumas High School Girls Wrestling 2025 Winter Season Recap: Strength, Grit, and Championship Legacy
The 2025 winter season for the Dumas High School Demonette Wrestling Team was nothing short of extraordinary. Under the leadership of Head Coach Chris Holzworth, the team once again showcased its resilience, unity, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Battling through injuries, rising expectations, and the pressure to maintain a championship standard, the Demonettes delivered a season that will be remembered for years to come.
Senior Leadership at the Core
This year’s team was led by a large and experienced senior class, and according to Coach Holzworth, that leadership was crucial to their overall success. “We had a heavy senior class with lots of experience and leadership. That led to our season’s success,” he stated.
Seven of the twelve weight classes were anchored by seniors, and each brought a unique energy and approach to the mat. Whether it was through vocal motivation, technical expertise, or by simply setting the tone during practice and competition, these seniors created a culture of accountability and support that lifted the entire team.
The leadership was more than symbolic—it was foundational. With these upperclassmen guiding the way, the team navigated one of its most challenging yet rewarding seasons.
Battling Adversity, Achieving Greatness
Coach Holzworth described the season as “phenomenal,” despite facing significant adversity. Injuries threatened to derail several athletes' seasons—and possibly their careers—but the Demonettes chose to fight instead of fold.
One of the most defining moments came when the team rallied together and captured the Texas High School Women's Coaches Association (THSWCA) State Dual Championship for the third consecutive year. It was not just a title—it was a testament to their toughness, preparation, and refusal to be counted out.
"The girls won the THSWCA State Dual Championships for the 3rd consecutive year after battling through injuries,” Holzworth said. That victory became a symbol of their resilience and set the tone for the rest of the postseason.
Stars Who Stepped Up
While the team as a whole performed at a high level, several individual athletes stood out for their growth and grit.
Berkley Funderburg emerged as a dynamic leader, not only for her skill but for her response to setbacks. “She became a leader by example and proved that she was a force to be reckoned with on the mat,” said Holzworth. Despite experiencing a few losses during the season, Berkley’s ability to bounce back with even greater resolve spoke volumes about her competitive character. Her pursuit of a state championship remains a focal point moving forward.
Equally inspiring were Kennedi Purcell and Elaina Morgan, who both suffered shoulder injuries during the season. Lesser athletes may have stepped aside, but not these two. They continued to train and compete, ultimately placing fourth at the UIL State Tournament. Their performances exemplified the heart and toughness that define Dumas wrestling.
A Legacy of Unity and Determination
This senior class leaves behind more than just trophies; they leave a legacy of family-like unity and belief. Holzworth noted that each senior brought something different to the team—whether it was emotional energy, strategic insight, or simply a steady presence. “Each girl brought a different kind of leadership and a family-type energy that elevated our performance throughout the season,” he shared.
Their departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but not one that leaves Coach Holzworth worried. In fact, the future looks incredibly bright.
Eyes on the Future
When asked what excites him about the team moving forward, Coach Holzworth didn’t hesitate. “We have girls who want to accomplish their goals that they have not met yet, and a determined set of girls coming into high school this upcoming season,” he said. The hunger and focus among the returning athletes are evident, and a new wave of talent is eager to leave their own mark on the program.
Coach Holzworth emphasized that the offseason will be focused on “the little things”—the details that separate good from great. It’s a philosophy that has guided the Demonettes to consistent success and will continue to be the cornerstone of their training approach.
“We will focus on the little things and try to get better every day,” Holzworth said. That mindset has produced champions—and it’s not changing anytime soon.
A Program Built to Last
The Dumas Demonettes aren’t just a wrestling team—they're a model of how a high school program can consistently reach elite levels through a combination of leadership, hard work, and belief. The 2025 season added another chapter to an already impressive legacy, and it was driven by a collective will to succeed despite adversity.
With athletes like Berkley Funderburg stepping into larger leadership roles, and new faces ready to embrace the challenge, the future of Dumas girls wrestling is as promising as ever. And with Coach Holzworth at the helm, there’s every reason to believe that the championships—and more inspiring stories of grit and determination—will keep coming.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the stats behind the success, you can follow the team's performances and individual records on Trackwrestling.com.
Whether it was battling injuries, winning a third straight state dual title, or seeing underclassmen grow into fierce competitors, the 2025 Demonettes gave fans, families, and their community much to be proud of. This season was not just about winning—it was about overcoming, uniting, and building something special that will echo in Dumas for years to come.
 State Dual Championship for the third consecutive year. It was not just a title—it was a testament to their toughness, preparation, and refusal to be counted out.
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