The future is bright for Missouri Girls Wrestling
Meet 9 incoming Missouri freshman girls who are already nationally known and ready to shake up the high school wrestling scene.
- Jauzylean Gray
- Ariel Biggs
- Mattie Blankenship
- Ilyana Martinez
- Temprence “Tempie” Watson
- Zolah Williams
- Natalee Joiner
- Mabel Rogers
- Savannah Bratten
Missouri’s girls wrestling scene is riding a wave of momentum as a new generation prepares to enter high school. With the recent graduation of trailblazers like Isabelle Apple, Kaley Benson, and Louise Juitt each a multi-time state and national medalist the torch officially passes to an incoming freshman class that may be the state’s strongest yet. Even as current stars such as Lilly and Sandy Breeden, Keely Fallert, and Killian Evans continue to shine, the following nine incoming freshmen have already made names for themselves at the youth level and are poised to make an immediate impact. These rising stars have piled up championships and accolades in youth competition, signaling a bright future for Missouri women’s wrestling.
Jauzylean Gray – Independence, MO (Fort Osage HS)
Jauzylean “Jauz” Gray is a name to remember in women’s wrestling. At just 14 years old, she already boasts an incredible résumé: Missouri girls youth state champion, Tulsa Nationals champion, and multi-time Winter Nationals champion. This summer, Gray represented Team USA at 58 kg and struck gold at the U15 Pan American Championships in Guatemala, dominating international competition. A powerful and agile wrestler, Gray’s only challenge at the high school level may be finding opponents who can push her. With a youth record of 37–1 in major competitions, she’s expected to be an immediate state title contender. Missouri wrestling fans can’t wait to see her bring elite talent to the varsity mats.
Ariel Biggs – Independence, MO (Fort Osage HS)
Ariel Biggs is another elite freshman joining Fort Osage High School. She captured the 2024 Missouri USA Girls Freestyle State Championship at 14U, 115 lbs. Her 2024–25 season included standout performances at events like the TNS Super Bowl Showdown and Battle of the Belt Girls, where she earned tech fall and pin victories over tough out-of-state opponents. Known for her aggressive, finish-oriented style, Biggs compiled a youth record of approximately 56–11, with 38 pins and 13 tech falls—a clear reflection of her high-paced offense. Competing around the mid-130 lbs. range by spring, her size, mat IQ, and dominance make her an immediate contender at the varsity level—potentially a district or state finalist as a freshman.
Mattie Blankenship – Edgerton, MO (Platte County HS)
Mattie Blankenship enters high school as a top middleweight contender. Wrestling around 130 lbs., she posted a dominant 34–1 youth record last season—29 of those wins coming by pin.
