San Dimas Girls Wrestling: Coach Jesse Jaime Reflects on a Season of Breakthroughs and Bright Futures
The 2025 winter wrestling season was nothing short of inspiring for the San Dimas High School Girls Wrestling team. Led by Head Coach Jesse Jaime, the Saints delivered a season that not only showcased top-tier talent at the state level but also revealed the depth, resilience, and rising potential of a program on the verge of greatness. Despite fielding a young roster filled with newcomers, San Dimas pushed through adversity, celebrated huge individual successes, and laid the foundation for what could be a dominant future.
Star Performers Lead the Way
Every successful team has its leaders, and for San Dimas, that leadership came from a trio of exceptional wrestlers who delivered incredible performances throughout the season.
Lei’ani Jaime, the team captain and the cornerstone of the squad, put together an outstanding 40-5 record, finishing 3rd in CIF. Her presence as a leader on and off the mat helped keep the team focused and unified, and her relentless drive set the tone for the season. Her leadership and results made it clear she’s not only a competitor but a mentor for the entire squad.
Then there’s the sensational freshman, Aubreyelle Baeza, who burst onto the high school wrestling scene with a 44-4 record. Baeza not only won CIF but also placed 3rd at Masters and finished 7th at the State Tournament—a staggering accomplishment for someone just starting their high school career. Her rapid success marks her as one of the most promising young wrestlers in the state.
Rounding out the trio was Charlene Smith, the team’s only senior and another captain who led by example. Smith compiled an impressive 39-5 record, finishing 2nd in CIF, 2nd at Masters, and making it all the way to the State Finals match—despite not being seeded in the tournament. Her journey through the bracket, defeating top-seeded competitors, was a testament to her grit, preparation, and poise under pressure. Smith leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and excellence.
A Season of Surpassing Expectations
Coach Jaime describes the season as “a success”—not just because of wins or medals, but because of the growth he witnessed across his roster. While the trio of standout wrestlers dominated in tournaments, the real story lies in the development of the newcomers, who filled out the majority of the team’s lineup.
With limited experience at the start of the season, these young wrestlers were thrown into the fire. Yet, instead of folding, they exceeded expectations, and many began to shine. “The moments that were defining,” Jaime explained, “were the ones where the newcomers overcame their fears and produced.”
Three in particular stood out: Alyssa Franco, Karina Camera, and April Mendez. As the season progressed, these wrestlers began to understand the importance of their roles in dual meets and tournaments. Their improvement, confidence, and awareness grew significantly, making them vital to the team’s overall chemistry and competitiveness.
Handling Adversity Like Champions
Like any team, San Dimas faced challenges—injuries, tough matches, and the mental weight of a long season. But what impressed Coach Jaime most was how the team responded.
“In the beginning, you see the frustration and self-doubt,” he admitted. “But once the dust settled and the understanding occurred, you saw the lights brighten. Their demeanor changed, and they were eager to get back on the mat.”
That hunger, even in the face of setbacks, became a defining trait of the 2025 squad. Wrestling is as much mental as it is physical, and the Saints learned to embrace the struggle, learning from losses, sharpening their focus, and returning stronger.
A Senior’s Lasting Legacy
Although the team had only one senior, Charlene Smith’s impact was massive. Her rise to the state finals match from an unseeded position turned heads across California wrestling circles. For Coach Jaime and the younger wrestlers, Smith’s run was not just about medals—it was about believing in the power of perseverance and preparation.
“She beat seeded wrestlers to get there,” Jaime said proudly. “She showed what’s possible when you have heart and determination.” Smith’s example will be remembered long after her departure, serving as a blueprint for the next wave of Saints to follow.
Eyes on the Future
If this season was about growth, then next season is about breaking through. What excites Coach Jaime most is that nearly the entire roster returns in 2026, including all of the team's top performers.
Leading the way will be Lei’ani Jaime, who is expected to come back even more driven and focused, with a state title firmly in her sights. “She’ll be back hungrier than ever,” said Coach Jaime. The combination of her leadership, experience, and talent makes her one of the most dangerous returning wrestlers in Southern California.
And with Baeza coming off a phenomenal freshman campaign, and others like Franco, Camera, and Mendez continuing to improve, San Dimas will not just be competing—they’ll be contending.
The Offseason Mission: Mental Toughness
With technical skills rapidly improving across the roster, the coaching staff is now turning their attention to the mental side of wrestling.
“The improvements we will be making are in the mental aspect,” Jaime emphasized. “Their skill set is coming along faster, but in order to conquer the match, they need to be mentally locked in.”
This approach speaks to the program’s evolving philosophy. Talent alone isn’t enough—champions are built with focus, resilience, and the ability to handle adversity under pressure. With this mindset guiding offseason training, the Saints are setting the stage for another deep postseason run in 2026.
Simple Metrics, Strong Results
While some programs track a range of advanced statistics, Coach Jaime keeps it simple. “The only stats we keep are wins and losses, as well as tournament placings,” he said. “All other stats are not needed as they don’t have relevance to wins and losses.”
To Jaime, it’s not about how many shots you take, but what you do with them. “They can take 10 shots but only get 2 takedowns and still lose,” he explained. That no-nonsense approach has served San Dimas well, keeping the focus on results and efficient performance.
Conclusion: A Program on the Rise
The 2025 season for San Dimas Girls Wrestling was about more than medals—it was about development, belief, and building a legacy. With one of the most dominant trios in the state, a hungry and improving group of young wrestlers, and a coach laser-focused on sharpening both body and mind, the Saints have made it clear: they’re a team to watch.
As Coach Jaime and his wrestlers head into the offseason, the goals are clear. Sharpen the mind. Build confidence. Step into every match knowing they belong. Because if this season was any indication, San Dimas is just getting started.
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