MARYLAND GIRLS WRESTLING CONTINUES TO RISE
- Legacy Wrestling
- Jun 22
- 8 min read
The Maryland State Wrestling Association proudly sent both 16U and Junior teams to the 2026 Women’s National Duals in Westfield, Indiana. Athletes from across the state came together to represent Maryland against some of the nation’s best competition while continuing to build the future of girls wrestling within the state.
While team placements and individual records tell part of the story, the true success of the trip was measured by the growth of the athletes, the relationships formed, and the confidence gained through competing on one of the biggest stages in the country.
ONE MARYLAND
One of the most rewarding aspects of the week was watching athletes from different clubs, schools, and regions unite under one banner.
According to Maryland Women’s Director Chris Dyke, that experience is one of the most valuable parts of National Duals.
“One of our goals is to continue raising the level of girls wrestling throughout Maryland. When athletes from different clubs, schools, and regions come together, they gain experience and knowledge that they can bring back to their own teams and training partners. They learn firsthand that they can compete on the national stage, and that belief helps elevate everyone around them.”
Both coaching staffs noted how quickly the athletes developed relationships and support systems despite many meeting for the first time.
“It was really cool to watch them blend into one program,” said Junior Coach Shevy Nejad. “Whenever the Junior team was wrestling, our 16U team was sitting mat side cheering them on. As soon as each team finished a dual, they rushed over to wherever the other team was wrestling.”
For 16U Coach Sean Ensign, the growth of those relationships became one of the defining memories of the trip.
“Two teams of girls from all over the state who typically may never have the chance to compete or interact began finding comfort and support from each other and started making plans to practice together when they got home. From competing to singing in the van on the way home, progress and friendships were solidified.”
JUNIOR TEAM EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Junior team battled through one of the toughest fields in the country, earning victories over Alabama, Utah, and Hawaii while competing against nationally recognized programs throughout the event. The team finished sixth in Pool A and seventh in the Red/Blue Bracket.
While the results were encouraging, one of the team’s greatest accomplishments came away from the scoreboard.
Maryland was awarded the 2026 Women’s National Duals Team Sportsmanship Award, recognizing the team’s character, attitude, and representation of the sport throughout the week.
“That was really awesome,” said Nejad. “I think it’s a reflection of our girls and the culture they are building. They are truly a team and did an amazing job representing Maryland. They showed it is possible to compete at a high level and still have fun.”
One of the memorable traditions throughout the week was the team’s “Victory Unicorn,” which athletes proudly carried after wins.
“When we got the news, the tournament official laughed and told us everyone loved the team unicorn that was being passed around after wins. That idea was created and evolved by the girls and again it shows that they are truly a team.”
Nejad was equally proud of how the athletes grew throughout the tournament.
“Every one of the girls elevated their performance. You could see them getting more comfortable as the tournament went on and really started to wrestle more open. Once they settled into the environment and stopped focusing on the size of the event, we saw them all elevate their wrestling.”
The physical nature of the event challenged everyone.
“This tournament is really physical, and every match is a battle. By the halfway point, the focus was on recovery. We had bandaged heads, scraped up faces, injuries to hamstrings, shoulders, ankles, and everywhere in between. Despite that, the girls took care of each other and the coaching staff helped ensure each girl was able to compete.”
SUMMER MUTSCHLER LEADS JUNIOR TEAM
Junior standout Summer Mutschler earned All-Tournament Team honors after finishing a perfect 9-0 throughout the event.
For Mutschler, the accomplishment reflected months of preparation and hard work. Mutschler, who is ranked 17th nationally, beat No. 14 Ali Svancara in the Idaho Dual.
“Being undefeated and making the All-Tournament Team means a lot because it shows my hard work paid off,” Mutschler said. “It took preparation, confidence, and staying focused every match.”
Nejad praised Mutschler’s impact on the team.
“Summer is critical to our program and its growth. She’s such a phenomenal leader and role model both on and off the mat. Her dominance helped show the girls that it’s possible to compete at the highest level with the best girls in the country.”
The event reinforced Mutschler’s confidence.
“I learned that I can compete with anyone if I trust my training and stay confident.”
Representing Maryland alongside athletes from different clubs and schools was one of the highlights of the experience.
“It was an honor to represent Maryland and compete with girls from different clubs and schools. We came together as one team.”
Despite her individual success, her favorite memories centered around her teammates.
“My favorite part was cheering on my teammates and celebrating wins together.”
For younger athletes considering National Duals or Fargo, her message was simple.
“Don’t be afraid to compete at big events. Work hard, trust yourself, and enjoy the experience because it helps you grow as a wrestler.”
16U TEAM DEMONSTRATES RESILIENCE
The 16U team entered the tournament facing injuries, lineup adjustments, and open weights throughout the event. Despite those obstacles, the team remained competitive, earning victories over North Carolina and Ohio while narrowly missing several additional dual wins.
“What stood out most was the girls stepping in and up when injuries caused our lineup to change,” Ensign said. “There was no deterrent from continuing to just wrestle.”
Many athletes were relatively new to freestyle wrestling, making the experience even more valuable.
“Despite some being new to freestyle, they all stuck to some basics that showed to be effective.”
Several athletes showed significant growth throughout the week.
Ensign highlighted Denna Momeni for finding confidence in controlled positions and getting to her attacks. Elana Pelaez demonstrated the ability to make adjustments against high-level competition. Sophia Garbarino entered with minimal freestyle experience and quickly learned how important hand fighting and controlling positions could be. Catherine Orndorff continued to show a growing understanding of technical wrestling while remaining composed in close matches.
One of Maryland’s defining moments came in a dramatic victory over Ohio. Facing another physically demanding opponent after battling injuries and lineup changes throughout the event, Maryland refused to back down.
“It would’ve been easy to come into the match deflated and defeated,” Ensign said. “But they came in focused and fought from match to match, cheering each other on.”
The dual ultimately came down to the final bout, where Darielle Wood secured a pin to give Maryland a thrilling 38-37 victory.
UNDEFEATED PERFORMANCES LEAD THE WAY
Maryland’s 16U team was led by two All-Tournament Team selections, Darielle Wood and Yael Wexler, who both completed the tournament undefeated at 8-0.
“What impressed me most was two athletes achieving the same thing in two completely different ways,” Ensign said. “Wood dominated with technical prowess and even came back from deficits, while Wexler started and ended all of her matches in a dominant and controlled fashion.”
For Wood, the accomplishment was especially meaningful because National Duals marked her first freestyle tournament.
“Being undefeated at this tournament and earning All-Tournament Team honors meant a lot to me,” Wood said. “It was my first time competing in a freestyle tournament and a moment where everyone got to see the culmination of all the work I put in.”
Leading into the event, Wood spent weeks studying freestyle scoring and learning new techniques while relying on the support of her coaches and teammates.
“I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates that supported me through multiple challenges.”
The experience also gave her confidence that she could compete with anyone in the country.
“I learned that I can compete with anyone in the entire nation when I stick to a plan. This tournament helped me realize that there’s levels to everything and regardless, you have to keep moving.”
Wexler entered the tournament with a different mindset. Facing some of the nation’s top wrestlers, she expected to experience setbacks along the way.
“I went into the tournament thinking that I would lose at least one of my matches going up against top wrestlers. When I kept winning, it felt so good and made my drive to keep going and not give up even stronger.”
The tournament reinforced an important lesson for her.
“I learned that anything is possible. All you have to do is trust in yourself, your coaches, and your teammates. They will be beside you no matter the outcome.”
Beyond their success on the mat, both athletes embraced the opportunity to represent Maryland.
“It was such an honor to represent our state,” Wood said. “All of us are from all over Maryland, yet we came together as a team to help show others what we’ve been training for.”
Wexler shared a similar perspective.
“It felt very special and honorable for me to represent Maryland and know that I was chosen among many other athletes.”
The team’s culture and camaraderie also left a lasting impression on both wrestlers.
“My favorite memory was getting the victory unicorn after my wins,” Wood said.
For Wexler, the moment symbolized both individual and team success.
“My favorite moment was stepping off the mat after getting my hand raised and being able to raise our team unicorn with pride, knowing I got the job done and got to wrestle another match.”
When asked what advice they would give younger wrestlers considering National Duals or Fargo, both emphasized confidence and enjoying the experience.
“I always try to give myself a goal to complete throughout every match,” Wood said. “It helps me not overthink and stay focused. I repeat the phrase, ‘It’s just another match.’”
Wexler encouraged younger athletes to appreciate every part of the journey.
“Enjoy every moment, whether it’s having team dinner or stepping on the mat for the first time. Don’t dwell on mistakes. Learn from them and do better next time. Most importantly, have fun, meet other girls, and make lots of friends.”
BUILDING THE FUTURE
For Dyke, National Duals is about far more than wins and losses.
“Step outside your comfort zone. The experience gained from events like National Duals and Fargo is unmatched. If your goal is to wrestle at the next level, these opportunities are invaluable.”
When asked to describe this year’s teams, he used three words:
Competitors. Hungry. Tenacious.
The trip also highlighted the tremendous support system behind Maryland girls wrestling.
“The amount of commitment and support required to make opportunities like this possible is incredible. The dedication of athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and the wrestling community all contribute to these experiences.”
Looking ahead, Dyke hopes the athletes recognize the role they are playing in the growth of the sport.
“I hope they remember the growth of this program and know they were a part of building it. Girls wrestling in Maryland continues to reach new heights, and these athletes are helping shape its future.”
National Duals is more than a wrestling tournament. It is an opportunity for Maryland’s athletes to see what is possible, challenge themselves against elite competition, and return home with experiences that help elevate the entire state.
Years from now, these athletes may not remember every score or every result. What they will remember are the friendships formed, the confidence gained, and the role they played in helping build something special.
The future of Maryland girls wrestling has never been brighter.
SOME OF THE OTHER CHARACTERS
Amongst the Juniors, two of the ladies, Olivia Crosby (95 pounds) and Irie Carmack (125) went 7-3. Kesi Tsarni, who is ranked 15th in the country, was 6-3 with all losses coming to ranked girls. Daegan Bishop was also 6-3 at 207 pounds.
Katharine Virgilio (120 pounds) and Sophia Hodges (140) were 5-4. Posting 4-5 records were Natalie Vance (100 pounds) and Triniti Green (130). Securing 3-6 tallies were Kelani Ramos (105) and Kamil Johnson (190). Iyana Graves (155) and Jariah Washington (170) contributed two wins.
In 16U Land, Pelaez went 7-1 with her loss coming in the opening match with Florida to Emerson Webber. Pelaez avenged that loss when they met Florida the second time. Momeni was 5-3 at 155 pounds. Putting up 4-4 tallies were Catherine Orndorff (115 pounds) and Sofie French (120).
Khloe Buckholdt (95 pounds) and Garbarino (207) went 3-5 over the two days. Mya Macleod (130) was 3-4. Grace Reilly (135/140) added two wins. Calleigh McBride (100 pounds), Laicey Durham (105), Fiona Ritchie (140), and Gema Serio (145) gained wins along the journey.
16U MD Brackets:
Junior MD Brackets:
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