Junction City Girls Wrestling: A Season of Firsts, Grit, and a Bright Future
2025 Winter Season Recap with Coach Jason Haddy
The 2025 winter season marked a pivotal chapter in the evolution of the Junction City High School Girls Wrestling Program, one marked by historic achievements, resilient athletes, and a foundation being built for long-term success. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jason Haddy, the young and growing program made school history while fostering a tight-knit group of determined athletes.
Making History: Aja Henager’s Record-Breaking Season
One of the biggest milestones for the Junction City Girls Wrestling team this season came at the state tournament, where senior Aja Henager etched her name into school history. Not only did Henager become just the second state qualifier ever for the girls’ program, but she also became the first state placer, earning a fifth-place finish.
"Aja became our second state qualifier in school history and our first-ever state placer in the girls division," Coach Haddy proudly shared. Her achievement not only reflects her personal hard work and talent but also represents the growing potential of the program as a whole.
Henager’s leadership extended beyond the mat. Her focus, consistency, and perseverance throughout the season served as a model for the underclassmen and laid the groundwork for what future Junction City girls can accomplish.
Emerging Talent and Steady Growth
While Henager's podium finish was the crown jewel of the season, many other athletes also showed tremendous development and promise. Senior Abigail Hernandez Rojas found her stride late in the season, turning in a strong performance at the regional state qualifying tournament. Her ability to rally and compete at a high level in crunch time impressed coaches and teammates alike.
Another notable storyline was the emergence of freshman triplets Liley, Kloee, and Dylan Mott. The trio quickly gained attention for their work ethic and potential. Although all three faced unfortunate injuries that ended their seasons prematurely, their early performances left no doubt about their future impact.
Coach Haddy is enthusiastic about their return: “We are excited to have them back out next year,” he said. Their return, coupled with continued development, could be a game-changer for the team.
First-Year Wrestlers Making an Impression
The team also benefited from new talent taking their first steps onto the mat. Freshman Aviah Woods and sophomore Brisaya Sandoval, both in their inaugural seasons of wrestling, showed impressive growth and quickly became key pieces of the team.
“Aviah and Brisaya made steady progress and will be ready to hit the mat running now that they have learned the ropes,” Haddy noted.
Their determination, combined with their steep learning curve, exemplified the spirit of this year’s team—a group that never backed down from a challenge, no matter their level of experience.
A Team That Peaked at the Right Time
One of the defining moments of the season came during the regional state qualifying tournament. Though only one wrestler advanced to state, the overall team performance was a victory in its own right.
“Our girls peaked at the right time,” said Coach Haddy. “They laid it all on the line and competed at a high level.”
This tournament revealed the team’s capacity to rise under pressure and showed how their daily grind throughout the season translated into confidence and aggression in critical moments.
Coach Carson Williams is one of the contributors to the success of our girls' program.
Leadership, Resilience, and Team Culture
A key component of the team’s growth this season was the leadership and grit of the senior class. Alongside Henager and Hernandez Rojas, seniors like Haley Fauver helped guide younger athletes with a blend of experience and positive energy.
“Our seniors showed a tremendous amount of grit and led by example through all their hard work,” Coach Haddy said.
Importantly, that leadership extended beyond wins and losses. It was about setting a tone, creating a supportive environment, and showing that wrestling isn’t just a sport—it’s a test of character.
Overcoming Injuries and Adversity
The season wasn’t without setbacks. Injuries and illness took a toll on the roster, sidelining key athletes like the Mott triplets and creating lineup challenges throughout the winter.
Still, the team refused to let these obstacles define their season. “Although we weren’t able to get everyone back on the mat and competing, we were able to work through the majority of the situations and learn from them,” said Coach Haddy.
That capacity to learn, adapt, and push through adversity may have been one of the team’s greatest accomplishments. As wrestling so often mirrors life, the girls of Junction City gained more than just takedowns and pins—they gained resilience.
Looking Ahead: High Ceiling, Bright Future
The best news for Junction City fans? This is just the beginning. Coach Haddy is particularly excited about the ceiling for returning wrestlers, who bring experience, hunger, and a growing knowledge of the sport.
“We are in a situation where the ceiling is high for our returning girls,” he said. “We are extremely excited to see where they can take the program next season.”
With athletes like Woods, Sandoval, and the Mott sisters ready to return stronger and wiser, the future of the program looks incredibly promising.
Offseason Focus: Mindset and Mastery
Success in wrestling doesn’t end when the season does. As the offseason begins, Coach Haddy already has a clear focus on where the team needs to improve.
“We need to continue to work on the mental aspect of the sport and clean up some of our technical mistakes,” he explained.
Wrestling is a unique combination of physical intensity and mental fortitude. By honing both sides of the equation, the Junction City girls can expect to be even more dangerous next year.
Building a Legacy
As Junction City continues to build its girls wrestling program, it’s evident that the foundation being laid today will impact future generations. Aja Henager’s state medal, the rise of the freshmen, and the team’s relentless spirit are just the beginning.
This year’s team proved that success isn’t just about numbers on a scoreboard—it’s about building something that lasts. The 2025 season will be remembered as the year the Junction City Girls Wrestling program turned a corner, created history, and set a new standard for excellence.
For more on Junction City Girls Wrestling, including upcoming events and athlete updates, follow the program through school channels and stay tuned as they return next season, ready to make even more history on the mat.
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