Round Lake Girls Wrestling: A Groundbreaking First Season Built on Heart, History, and Hope
In the heart of Round Lake, a historic season unfolded—quietly at first, but quickly gaining momentum, pride, and recognition. Under the leadership of Head Coach Ender Kongkaeow, the Round Lake High School Girls Wrestling Team completed its first full season as a dedicated program in 2025. What started as a pioneering venture quickly became a season marked by growth, unity, and unprecedented success.
From dancing at tournaments to making school history, this inaugural group of athletes didn’t just compete—they redefined what was possible.
Pioneers on and off the Mat
Every team has leaders, but Riley Kongkaeow (100 lbs) and Ireland McCain (115 lbs) were more than just captains. They were visionaries in singlets—athletes who embraced both the physical grind and emotional responsibility of shepherding a new program through its foundational year.
“They helped guide a green team to grow exponentially,” said Coach Kongkaeow. “They not only performed on the mat but made sure the entire team understood what it meant to be part of something bigger.”
Their leadership translated into tangible results. The team had high athlete retention, showed positive academic trends, and peaked competitively when it mattered most—producing two state qualifiers, including one who placed 4th in the state. For a first-year program, those aren’t just wins—they’re landmarks.
A Season Full of Heart
From the outset, this wasn’t just a typical sports season—it was a movement. Round Lake’s girls wrestling team wasn’t just learning takedowns and pins; they were building culture, forging community, and laying the groundwork for future generations.
And nowhere was that culture more visible than at a tournament in the second week of the season. A delay in the competition schedule led to something unforgettable: a spontaneous, tournament-wide dance party—initiated by Round Lake’s wrestlers.
“It became the talk of the season,” Coach Kongkaeow recalled. “It included athletes and coaches from a couple dozen teams. It was a moment that showed everyone that humanity and joy transcend competition.”
Moments like these not only bonded the team but also made clear that this program is about more than medals—it's about meaning.
Seniors Who Built the Blueprint
While the captains were instrumental all year, seniors Jessica Sanchez and Brianna Perez stepped up in powerful ways as the season progressed. “They showed how to work hard and were constant forces of encouragement for their teammates,” said Kongkaeow.
This senior class was also more than just upperclassmen—they were trailblazers. They’ve seen the rise of girls wrestling in Illinois firsthand. From the first year that the IHSA hosted a separate state tournament to becoming the sport’s vocal and visible champions at Round Lake, these seniors helped pave the way.
Most notably, Ireland McCain etched her name into Round Lake High School history by becoming the school’s first-ever four-time state qualifier in any sport. That distinction cements her as a local legend and a foundational figure in the program’s early success.
“They weren’t just witnesses to the growth of girls wrestling,” said Kongkaeow. “They were active participants. Our program wouldn’t be what it is today without them.”
Rising Through Adversity
No first season comes without challenges, and Round Lake's journey was no exception. The team faced its share of injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure moments. But instead of folding, they found strength in community.
“With each bump in the road, the team grew closer,” said Kongkaeow. “They fought harder for each other.”
That resilience became a hallmark of the season. Whether battling on the mat or cheering from the sideline, these wrestlers showed that toughness isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about belief, unity, and heart.
Building a Legacy for the Future
As the Panthers look ahead to the 2026 season and beyond, the foundation is firmly in place—and it's sturdy.
“What excites me most is the pure passion and joy for this sport that our athletes exhibit,” said Kongkaeow. “I believe that energy will spread to generations of female wrestlers in our community.”
With a culture grounded in positivity, hard work, and mutual support, the program is poised for sustainable growth. The returning wrestlers now carry not only experience but also the responsibility to extend the legacy forged by their pioneering teammates.
Continuous Growth is the Goal
Coach Kongkaeow isn’t aiming for overnight dominance. Instead, he and his coaching staff are focused on the 1% mindset—that each athlete strives to get just a little bit better every day, both on and off the mat.
“Wrestling is more than technique,” he explained. “It’s about mindset, accountability, and personal growth.”
That focus has already begun to bear fruit, and as the program enters the offseason, the staff will continue building technical skills while nurturing the intangibles that set this team apart—grit, joy, and community.
A Model for More Than Sports
What the Round Lake Girls Wrestling team has accomplished goes beyond wins and placements. In a single season, they’ve:
Established a new sport at their school
Built a tight-knit and supportive team culture
Produced state-caliber talent
Made school history
Inspired others to believe in the future of girls wrestling
Their journey is proof that with the right leadership, culture, and passion, a new program doesn’t have to wait years to make an impact.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season at Round Lake was more than just a strong debut—it was a defining moment in school history. It proved that sports can be both joyful and serious, lighthearted and disciplined, celebratory and competitive.
As Coach Kongkaeow and his team continue to grow the program, one thing is clear: this isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Round Lake Girls Wrestling is on the map, and they’re here to stay.
For stats, photos, and program updates, follow the Round Lake Girls Wrestling team through school channels and community events.
 and Ireland McCain (115 lbs) were more than just captains. They were visionaries in singlets—athletes who embraced both the physical grind and emotional responsibility of shepherding a new program through its foundational year.
“They helped guide a green team to grow exponentially,” said Coach Kongkaeow. “They not only performed on the mat but made sure the entire team understood what it meant to be part of something bigger.”
Their leadership translated into tangible results. The team had high athlete retention, showed positive academic trends, and peaked competitively when it mattered most—producing two state qualifiers, including one who placed 4th in the state. For a first-year program, those aren’t just wins—they’re landmarks.
A Season Full of Heart
From the outset, this wasn’t just a typical sports season—it was a movement. Round Lake’s girls wrestling team wasn’t just learning takedowns and pins; they were building culture, forging community, and laying the groundwork for future generations.
And nowhere was that culture more visible than at a tournament in the second week of the season. A delay in the competition schedule led to something unforgettable: a spontaneous, tournament-wide dance party—initiated by Round Lake’s wrestlers.
“It became the talk of the season,” Coach Kongkaeow recalled. “It included athletes and coaches from a couple dozen teams. It was a moment that showed everyone that humanity and joy transcend competition.”
Moments like these not only bonded the team but also made clear that this program is about more than medals—it's about meaning.
Seniors Who Built the Blueprint
While the captains were instrumental all year, seniors Jessica Sanchez and Brianna Perez stepped up in powerful ways as the season progressed. “They showed how to work hard and were constant forces of encouragement for their teammates,” said Kongkaeow.
This senior class was also more than just upperclassmen—they were trailblazers. They’ve seen the rise of girls wrestling in Illinois firsthand. From the first year that the IHSA hosted a separate state tournament to becoming the sport’s vocal and visible champions at Round Lake, these seniors helped pave the way.
Most notably, Ireland McCain etched her name into Round Lake High School history by becoming the school’s first-ever four-time state qualifier in any sport. That distinction cements her as a local legend and a foundational figure in the program’s early success.
“They weren’t just witnesses to the growth of girls wrestling,” said Kongkaeow. “They were active participants. Our program wouldn’t be what it is today without them.”
Rising Through Adversity
No first season comes without challenges, and Round Lake's journey was no exception. The team faced its share of injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure moments. But instead of folding, they found strength in community.
“With each bump in the road, the team grew closer,” said Kongkaeow. “They fought harder for each other.”
That resilience became a hallmark of the season. Whether battling on the mat or cheering from the sideline, these wrestlers showed that toughness isn’t just about brute strength—it’s about belief, unity, and heart.
Building a Legacy for the Future
As the Panthers look ahead to the 2026 season and beyond, the foundation is firmly in place—and it's sturdy.
“What excites me most is the pure passion and joy for this sport that our athletes exhibit,” said Kongkaeow. “I believe that energy will spread to generations of female wrestlers in our community.”
With a culture grounded in positivity, hard work, and mutual support, the program is poised for sustainable growth. The returning wrestlers now carry not only experience but also the responsibility to extend the legacy forged by their pioneering teammates.
Continuous Growth is the Goal
Coach Kongkaeow isn’t aiming for overnight dominance. Instead, he and his coaching staff are focused on the 1% mindset—that each athlete strives to get just a little bit better every day, both on and off the mat.
“Wrestling is more than technique,” he explained. “It’s about mindset, accountability, and personal growth.”
That focus has already begun to bear fruit, and as the program enters the offseason, the staff will continue building technical skills while nurturing the intangibles that set this team apart—grit, joy, and community.
A Model for More Than Sports
What the Round Lake Girls Wrestling team has accomplished goes beyond wins and placements. In a single season, they’ve:
Established a new sport at their school
Built a tight-knit and supportive team culture
Produced state-caliber talent
Made school history
Inspired others to believe in the future of girls wrestling
Their journey is proof that with the right leadership, culture, and passion, a new program doesn’t have to wait years to make an impact.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season at Round Lake was more than just a strong debut—it was a defining moment in school history. It proved that sports can be both joyful and serious, lighthearted and disciplined, celebratory and competitive.
As Coach Kongkaeow and his team continue to grow the program, one thing is clear: this isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Round Lake Girls Wrestling is on the map, and they’re here to stay.
For stats, photos, and program updates, follow the Round Lake Girls Wrestling team through school channels and community events.)
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