San Diego High Wrestling 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Year of Breakthroughs and Building Blocks
San Diego High’s wrestling program made impressive strides during the 2025 winter season, finishing the year with momentum, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose. Under the guidance of Program Director Rob Dooley, the team leaped from a 10th-place finish in last year’s City Conference standings to an impressive 3rd overall — a testament to the commitment, grit, and growth shown by the athletes across both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
A Breakout Year for Key Athletes
Among the season's standout performers was Keyona Mae Simmons, a first-year wrestler who not only made an immediate impact but etched her name into the school’s history books by placing 6th at the CIF Girls State Tournament. Simmons' rapid development and competitive fire brought visibility and respect to the school’s emerging girls wrestling program.
On the boys’ side, Adrian Garcia, a seasoned senior, capped off his high school career as a CIF finalist, delivering clutch performances and setting a standard for future wrestlers to follow. His experience and skill anchored the team through high-stakes matches and intense training sessions.
Senior Leadership that Made a Difference
Every strong program is built on leadership, and this year, it came from both the boys and girls squads. Madelyn Bayona, a four-year veteran and a pioneer of the school’s girls wrestling team, was more than just a competitor — she was a symbol of consistency, resilience, and inspiration. Her role in promoting and shaping women’s wrestling at San Diego High cannot be overstated. Coach Dooley describes her as “a staple of the program” and credits her with being a vital force in growing the sport throughout the city.
Jayden Ponce also made his mark as a leader on the boys' side, bringing contagious energy and a team-first mentality. Whether competing on the mat or helping teammates behind the scenes, Ponce's commitment to team culture set a high bar for underclassmen to emulate.
From Underdogs to Contenders
The biggest storyline of the season was undoubtedly the team’s rise from 10th to 3rd in the City Conference standings. That climb wasn’t just about raw talent — it reflected months of discipline, technical growth, and buy-in from wrestlers at every level. Coach Dooley noted that the overall trajectory of the season reflected a collective commitment to improving every day. “The team improved a lot,” he said simply — a humble summary of a season that will be remembered for its transformation.
While Coach Dooley didn’t single out one defining match or moment that turned the tide, the cumulative effect of hard-fought duals, upsets, and standout tournament performances helped forge a team identity centered around resilience and upward momentum.
The Future is Bright: Rising Stars to Watch
Looking ahead, San Diego High has plenty to be excited about. A strong sophomore class is maturing into leadership roles and bringing both skill and tenacity to the mat. The trio of Lucas Shabazz, Dmitry Brooke, and Keyona Mae Simmons — all expected to be juniors next season — represent a formidable core for the program’s future.
Simmons, in particular, will return with the rare experience of having placed at the state level as a freshman. Her continued development will be crucial not just for results, but also for inspiring the next wave of female wrestlers.
Coach Dooley is also encouraged by the way these underclassmen are embracing offseason training. “Kids are working hard — lifting and wrestling Freestyle and Greco,” he said, pointing to a culture of year-round commitment that has taken root in the program.
Building Resilience and a Stronger Foundation
The 2025 season wasn’t without its challenges. Like every team, San Diego High faced its share of adversity — tough losses, the pressure of big tournaments, and the inevitable bumps and bruises of a contact sport. But it was how the team responded to those moments that helped define their growth.
Through it all, the team showed poise, unity, and a growing belief that they could compete with the best. For Coach Dooley, the mental side of wrestling — perseverance through fatigue, bouncing back from defeats, and staying focused through long tournaments — was just as important as technique. This mental toughness is now baked into the program’s identity and will serve the team well in seasons to come.
Offseason Vision: Training with Purpose
The program isn’t taking its recent success for granted. Coach Dooley already has his sights set on areas of improvement for the offseason. The focus? Strength and skill development, particularly in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, which will expand the team’s tactical toolbox and sharpen their mat IQ.
This offseason training won’t just benefit individual athletes; it’s designed to lift the whole program by creating a deeper, more versatile roster. As these young wrestlers gain experience in different styles and increase their physical capacity, they’ll be better prepared to face elite competition.
A Program on the Rise
The stats don’t lie — and for those interested in seeing the full scope of the team’s progress, results can be found on Track Wrestling, the official source for San Diego High’s match records and tournament placements.
But beyond the numbers, the 2025 season tells a deeper story: one of perseverance, breakthrough performances, and a culture shift that has elevated the program. Under Coach Dooley’s leadership, San Diego High Wrestling has proven it can grow talent, nurture leadership, and compete at a high level — all while paving the way for future generations.
As the mats are rolled up and the trophies placed on the shelves, the message is clear: this isn’t the end of a great season. It’s the beginning of a new era.
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