Four years ago, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) officially sanctioned girls’ wrestling as an independent sport. Since then, participation has surged across the state, and Lincoln-Way has quickly emerged as a powerhouse. Under the leadership of Coach Josh Napier, the inaugural Lincoln-Way girls wrestling team has not only established itself but has dominated in competition, setting the stage for a promising future.
The journey to creating a standalone girls’ wrestling team at Lincoln-Way started with just a handful of female athletes training alongside the boys. Coach Napier recalls, “That first season, we had about five girls wrestling with the boys’ team across the district. After that year, I was sold on the idea of growing this side of the sport.”
Recruitment efforts ramped up quickly. Josh and his team promoted a summer camp, engaged with spring sports athletes, and leveraged social media to spread the word. The response was overwhelmingly positive. “We knew we wanted a separate team, and we ran a tough preseason to set the tone. The girls who showed up embraced the challenge,” he says.
Transitioning from a few scattered athletes to a full-fledged team required overcoming logistical hurdles and ensuring the program had the necessary support. “We spent the first few years functioning out of the boys’ side of the sport, slowly building numbers. When we finally became an official team, we set high expectations from day one,” Josh explains.
The results have been nothing short of remarkable. The team ended its inaugural season with an undefeated 19-0 record, secured three major varsity tournament victories, won the IHSA Regional Championship, and clinched the IWCOA Dual Team State Championship, the first of its kind.
“We are tough and gritty. We always look undersized on the mat, but we have the heart to beat the best,” Josh says, emphasizing the team’s fighting spirit.
The evolution from the first practice to the final match of the season was evident in every wrestler. With over half the team made up of first-year athletes, Josh has seen remarkable personal growth. “I love wrestling because you can see true development in an athlete. These girls have embraced the grind and formed an unbreakable bond in just one season.”
That camaraderie has been essential to their success. He notes that despite many athletes meeting for the first time last June, they have developed deep friendships. “It would seem like they’ve been friends since childhood. They support each other in every aspect of the sport.”
Among the team’s many talented wrestlers, a few individuals had truly exceptional seasons:
• Zoe Dempsey (Junior) – A three-time IHSA state qualifier and two-time placer, finishing 3rd in 2025 after an impressive 47-4 record. She will return as a senior to chase a state title.
• Sadie Sparks (Freshman) – Won two championships, including a regional title, and went 2-2 at state. Her potential is sky-high.
• Ella Giertuga (Sophomore) – Wrestled 57 matches, winning 37 and qualifying for state. Last season, she won just 16 matches and fell short of sectionals, showing tremendous improvement.
• Riley Cooney, Emily Peyton, and Bailey Mitchell – Each won an IHSA Regional Championship and helped the team claim historic victories.
Josh's coaching approach is built on fundamentals, discipline, and accountability. “We don’t coach effort—that has to come from within. We teach a ‘we over me’ mentality. Wrestling is an individual sport, but without each girl pushing one another, we wouldn’t be as successful.”
Mentally and physically, the team operates at a high level. “We’re one of the most in-shape teams in the state. That comes from our practice room, our expectations, and the routine we’ve built,” Josh says.
Looking ahead, Coach Napier believes the foundation has been set for continued growth and excellence. “We plan to hold our athletes accountable and maintain high standards. The girls will hold each other to that standard, and as long as we stay consistent, we will continue to improve.”
For young girls considering wrestling, he offers simple but powerful advice: “Wrestling is a girl’s sport. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” He encourages newcomers to focus on learning and enjoying the journey. “Don’t worry about wins and losses. Embrace the grind, trust your instincts, and be consistent. The success will follow.”
With a historic first season in the books, the Lincoln-Way girls wrestling team has already left a lasting mark. And if their debut is any indication, this is just the beginning.
Pull quote 1: "We don’t coach effort—that has to come from within."
Pull quote 2: "Wrestling is a girl's sport—don't let anyone tell you differently."