Shawnee Mission South Girls Wrestling: A Historic 2025 Season of Growth, Grit, and Glory
For Shawnee Mission South’s Girls Wrestling team, the 2025 season wasn’t just about wins and medals—it was about milestones, momentum, and the making of a powerhouse. Just two years ago, the team had only three wrestlers. Fast forward to today, and the Lady Raiders have completed a perfect 10-0 dual season, captured their first-ever district and league championships, placed second at regionals, and earned a fourth-place team finish at the Kansas state tournament. This year was a culmination of steady program-building, youth development, and fierce determination.
At the helm of it all: Head Coach Gavin Spake, whose leadership and vision have helped transform a fledgling team into one of Kansas' most exciting young wrestling programs.
Building a Team from the Ground Up
The 2025 squad wasn’t just deep—they were young and driven. Incredibly, six varsity wrestlers were freshmen, and three of them—Addilyn Masters (3rd at 125), Siobhan Flanner (2nd at 155), and Lulu Kirk (state champion at 235)—finished on the podium at state. These standout first-year wrestlers not only proved they belonged at the varsity level, but also delivered under the brightest lights.
“Just two years ago, we only had three total girls on the team,” Coach Spake said. “This year, we had a full lineup. It’s a testament to how we’ve built through our middle school program.”
With a balanced mix of experienced wrestlers and hungry newcomers, the Lady Raiders demonstrated what a well-developed pipeline and strong team culture can accomplish in a short time.
Leadership at Every Level
Though youth defined the roster, leadership was not in short supply. Team captains Sevyn Donovan, Stella Segura, and Rachael Wilson were instrumental in setting the tone for the season—on and off the mat.
“These three captains really took on mentorship roles, helping to guide our younger and less experienced wrestlers,” Spake explained. “It made a huge difference, especially when the pressure of postseason wrestling kicked in.”
The senior class, while small, was mighty in influence. Only two seniors suited up this year, but both served as examples of focus and professionalism, ensuring that the team stayed unified and prepared at all times.
Underdog to Champion: Lulu Kirk’s Breakout Moment
Every great season has its defining underdog story, and for SMS, it came in the form of freshman Lulu Kirk, who stormed her way to a state championship at 235 pounds. Kirk entered the postseason unranked as a favorite, but her work ethic and timing couldn’t have been better.
“She pinned an opponent in the finals who had beaten her just weeks before,” Spake recalled. “That says everything about her growth and mental toughness. She peaked when it mattered most.”
Lulu wasn’t alone. The rest of the state placers—Rachael Wilson (3rd at 125), Stella Segura (3rd at 115), Sevyn Donovan (3rd at 145), and fellow freshman Addilyn Masters and Siobhan Flanner—fueled a postseason run that was as deep as it was dramatic.
Turning Points and Team Milestones
While individual success was abundant, the team itself hit several historic markers along the way. The first-ever district team championship set the tone early, followed by a Sunflower League title and a runner-up finish at regionals. These achievements weren’t just new—they were symbolic of a program on the rise.
“The girls really started peaking at the right time,” said Spake. “Winning those early titles gave them confidence, and you could feel the momentum building going into state.”
The perfect 10-0 dual season was another high point, reflecting the team’s consistency, depth, and ability to perform in every weight class.
Resilience Without Major Setbacks
In a physically demanding sport like wrestling, injuries can derail even the most promising seasons. But this year, the Lady Raiders were fortunate. “We were lucky to avoid any major injuries,” Spake noted. “There were bumps and bruises, of course, but nothing that stopped our momentum.”
That allowed the team to stay locked in on development, focusing not just on technique, but also on mental preparation—a point of emphasis in Spake’s coaching philosophy. “We do a lot of mental training, and for the most part, our girls handle the pressure really well.”
Looking Forward: A Bright Future Ahead
Perhaps the most exciting takeaway from this season? Most of the roster is coming back.
“We have almost everyone returning and some new experienced girls coming in,” said Spake. “That makes for good competition in the room, and we’re looking forward to building on everything we accomplished this season.”
While continuing to nurture the freshman class, the coaching staff is also focused on refining technique and improving specific positions. “There are a few common positions we need to work on, but summer wrestling will help with that.”
The summer schedule—full of camps, off-season tournaments, and skill sessions—will be key to sharpening the team’s edge and staying ahead of a rapidly growing field in Kansas girls wrestling.
A Culture of Excellence
The story of Shawnee Mission South’s 2025 girls wrestling season is more than a tale of wins and medals. It’s a culture story—one of resilience, accountability, and mentorship. It’s about a group of young women who believed in each other and rose to meet the moment, all while making school history.
And it’s only the beginning.
As Coach Spake reflected on the season, the pride was evident. “This was a very successful year, not just because of results, but because of how we got here—through hard work, growth, and commitment. I can’t wait to see what this group does next.”
With a solid foundation, elite young talent, and a culture built on mutual support and excellence, the future of Shawnee Mission South Girls Wrestling looks nothing short of unstoppable.
Want to follow the Lady Raiders or check out more stats from the 2025 season? Reach out to the Shawnee Mission South Athletic Department or contact Coach Gavin Spake directly.
, Siobhan Flanner (2nd at 155), and Lulu Kirk (state champion at 235)—finished on the podium at state. These standout first-year wrestlers not only proved they belonged at the varsity level, but also delivered under the brightest lights.
“Just two years ago, we only had three total girls on the team,” Coach Spake said. “This year, we had a full lineup. It’s a testament to how we’ve built through our middle school program.”
With a balanced mix of experienced wrestlers and hungry newcomers, the Lady Raiders demonstrated what a well-developed pipeline and strong team culture can accomplish in a short time.
Leadership at Every Level
Though youth defined the roster, leadership was not in short supply. Team captains Sevyn Donovan, Stella Segura, and Rachael Wilson were instrumental in setting the tone for the season—on and off the mat.
“These three captains really took on mentorship roles, helping to guide our younger and less experienced wrestlers,” Spake explained. “It made a huge difference, especially when the pressure of postseason wrestling kicked in.”
The senior class, while small, was mighty in influence. Only two seniors suited up this year, but both served as examples of focus and professionalism, ensuring that the team stayed unified and prepared at all times.
Underdog to Champion: Lulu Kirk’s Breakout Moment
Every great season has its defining underdog story, and for SMS, it came in the form of freshman Lulu Kirk, who stormed her way to a state championship at 235 pounds. Kirk entered the postseason unranked as a favorite, but her work ethic and timing couldn’t have been better.
“She pinned an opponent in the finals who had beaten her just weeks before,” Spake recalled. “That says everything about her growth and mental toughness. She peaked when it mattered most.”
Lulu wasn’t alone. The rest of the state placers—Rachael Wilson (3rd at 125), Stella Segura (3rd at 115), Sevyn Donovan (3rd at 145), and fellow freshman Addilyn Masters and Siobhan Flanner—fueled a postseason run that was as deep as it was dramatic.
Turning Points and Team Milestones
While individual success was abundant, the team itself hit several historic markers along the way. The first-ever district team championship set the tone early, followed by a Sunflower League title and a runner-up finish at regionals. These achievements weren’t just new—they were symbolic of a program on the rise.
“The girls really started peaking at the right time,” said Spake. “Winning those early titles gave them confidence, and you could feel the momentum building going into state.”
The perfect 10-0 dual season was another high point, reflecting the team’s consistency, depth, and ability to perform in every weight class.
Resilience Without Major Setbacks
In a physically demanding sport like wrestling, injuries can derail even the most promising seasons. But this year, the Lady Raiders were fortunate. “We were lucky to avoid any major injuries,” Spake noted. “There were bumps and bruises, of course, but nothing that stopped our momentum.”
That allowed the team to stay locked in on development, focusing not just on technique, but also on mental preparation—a point of emphasis in Spake’s coaching philosophy. “We do a lot of mental training, and for the most part, our girls handle the pressure really well.”
Looking Forward: A Bright Future Ahead
Perhaps the most exciting takeaway from this season? Most of the roster is coming back.
“We have almost everyone returning and some new experienced girls coming in,” said Spake. “That makes for good competition in the room, and we’re looking forward to building on everything we accomplished this season.”
While continuing to nurture the freshman class, the coaching staff is also focused on refining technique and improving specific positions. “There are a few common positions we need to work on, but summer wrestling will help with that.”
The summer schedule—full of camps, off-season tournaments, and skill sessions—will be key to sharpening the team’s edge and staying ahead of a rapidly growing field in Kansas girls wrestling.
A Culture of Excellence
The story of Shawnee Mission South’s 2025 girls wrestling season is more than a tale of wins and medals. It’s a culture story—one of resilience, accountability, and mentorship. It’s about a group of young women who believed in each other and rose to meet the moment, all while making school history.
And it’s only the beginning.
As Coach Spake reflected on the season, the pride was evident. “This was a very successful year, not just because of results, but because of how we got here—through hard work, growth, and commitment. I can’t wait to see what this group does next.”
With a solid foundation, elite young talent, and a culture built on mutual support and excellence, the future of Shawnee Mission South Girls Wrestling looks nothing short of unstoppable.
Want to follow the Lady Raiders or check out more stats from the 2025 season? Reach out to the Shawnee Mission South Athletic Department or contact Coach Gavin Spake directly.)
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