A Season of Growth and Grit
The 2024 wrestling season was a turning point for the Hereford High School Girls Wrestling Team, led by Coach Brett Baier. What started as a team with only a handful of experienced competitors ended as a program on the rise, featuring five county and regional podium finishes, a double-tournament champion, and a thrilling win that came down to the heavyweight finale.
“It was a successful season,” said Coach Baier. “Our girls stepped up—especially those in just their first or second year.”
Top Performers Raise the Bar
Leading the charge were sophomore standouts Julia Abel and Mia Stevenson, both in just their second year of wrestling. Julia went 18–4 against female opponents and earned championship titles at both the Baltimore County and Regional Tournaments. She also secured two pins at the state tournament and finished the season ranked 9th in Maryland.
Mia Stevenson, at 190 lbs, compiled a strong 16–9 record, making the regional finals and earning two pins at states. Facing top-tier competition throughout the year, she closed the season ranked 7th in the state.
A Match to Remember
One of the defining moments of the season came in January against Harford Tech. In a down-to-the-wire duel, the Bulls edged out a dramatic 39–37 victory.
Sophia Garbarino, a first-year wrestler, sealed the deal with a gritty 4-0 win in the heavyweight match.
Antigoni Lymperis, trailing 11-0, pulled off a stunning comeback pin in the third period.
Freshmen Rowan Heiner and Priya Buie added first-period pins.
Julia, Aubrey Burkhardt, and Kentenette Fleming all collected points via forfeits, and Mia turned in a tough 6-minute match against a previously dominant opponent to save vital team points.
“It was a total team effort,” said Baier. “Every girl who stepped on the mat played a role in that win.”
Freshman Fire
The Bulls’ freshman class made an immediate impact. Priya Buie (115 lbs) finished her rookie season as a regional finalist and state qualifier. Antigoni Lymperis earned 8 wins and was named the team’s Most Improved Wrestler, and heavyweight Sophia Garbarino capped her debut with a third-place finish at counties and 5th at regionals.
“Those three will be key wrestlers for us next year,” said Baier.
Injuries and Composure
While the team faced some injury setbacks, most notably to junior Aubrey Burkhardt, a former county and regional champ, the Bulls managed to maintain focus and composure. After both wins and tough losses, the girls showed up ready to learn and improve.
Looking Ahead
With only one graduating senior, Kentenette Fleming, who contributed part-time while balancing band and theater, the core of the team will return in 2025. The future is bright.
“Next year’s slogan is: Bring a Friend to Tryouts!” said Baier. “We’re hoping to fill the whole lineup and keep building on this momentum.”
Offseason Focus
Coach Baier is encouraging his athletes to train at Zone Wrestling Club, run by Josh Asper, a 4x Maryland State Champ and NCAA All-American. The goal: improve technique, toughness, and confidence—on and off the mat.
2024 Season Stats Highlights
Julia Abel (100 lbs, Sophomore): 18–4 | County & Regional Champion | 2 State Pins | Ranked #9 in MD
Mia Stevenson (190 lbs, Sophomore): 16–9 | Regional Finalist | 2 State Pins | Ranked #7 in MD
Priya Buie (115 lbs, Freshman): 10 Wins | Regional Finalist | State Qualifier
Antigoni Lymperis (145 lbs, Freshman): 8 Wins | 4th in Region | Most Improved
Sophia Garbarino (235 lbs, Freshman): 7 Wins | 3rd in County | 5th in Region
Team Record
Dual Meets: 1–3 (due to multiple forfeits at lower weights)
 finished her rookie season as a regional finalist and state qualifier. Antigoni Lymperis earned 8 wins and was named the team’s Most Improved Wrestler, and heavyweight Sophia Garbarino capped her debut with a third-place finish at counties and 5th at regionals.
“Those three will be key wrestlers for us next year,” said Baier.
Injuries and Composure
While the team faced some injury setbacks, most notably to junior Aubrey Burkhardt, a former county and regional champ, the Bulls managed to maintain focus and composure. After both wins and tough losses, the girls showed up ready to learn and improve.
Looking Ahead
With only one graduating senior, Kentenette Fleming, who contributed part-time while balancing band and theater, the core of the team will return in 2025. The future is bright.
“Next year’s slogan is: Bring a Friend to Tryouts!” said Baier. “We’re hoping to fill the whole lineup and keep building on this momentum.”
Offseason Focus
Coach Baier is encouraging his athletes to train at Zone Wrestling Club, run by Josh Asper, a 4x Maryland State Champ and NCAA All-American. The goal: improve technique, toughness, and confidence—on and off the mat.
2024 Season Stats Highlights
Julia Abel (100 lbs, Sophomore): 18–4 | County & Regional Champion | 2 State Pins | Ranked #9 in MD
Mia Stevenson (190 lbs, Sophomore): 16–9 | Regional Finalist | 2 State Pins | Ranked #7 in MD
Priya Buie (115 lbs, Freshman): 10 Wins | Regional Finalist | State Qualifier
Antigoni Lymperis (145 lbs, Freshman): 8 Wins | 4th in Region | Most Improved
Sophia Garbarino (235 lbs, Freshman): 7 Wins | 3rd in County | 5th in Region
Team Record
Dual Meets: 1–3 (due to multiple forfeits at lower weights))
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