Kearney freshman Zolah Williams is wasting no time making her presence felt on the Missouri high school wrestling scene. Already ranked No. 1 in the state at 105 pounds and holding a national ranking of No. 13 in the high school division, Williams has quickly established herself as one of the most formidable young competitors in the country. With an impressive 38-2 record, she adds yet another dynamic weapon to an already loaded Kearney roster; one that has its sights firmly set on a fourth consecutive state championship this March.
“Knowing I could help carry on another title gives me faith and hope,” Williams said, a reflection of both her confidence and her understanding of what is at stake for the program.
Williams’ freshman campaign has been defined by big moments on big stages. At the prestigious Women’s Ironman Tournament, she earned a third-place finish highlighted by a statement victory over top-ranked Ohio junior Libertie Nigh. In that placement match, Williams controlled the action from start to finish, securing a dominant 6–1 decision that turned heads nationally.
She followed that performance with another deep run at the KC Stampede, where she advanced to the finals against Oklahoma’s undefeated and top-ranked Kyrstan Perez. The bout was a three-period battle, with Perez ultimately scoring a last-second takedown to edge Williams 5-4. Despite the narrow loss, Williams’ second-place finish further solidified her standing among the nation’s elite at 105 pounds.
Perhaps her most complete performance of the season came at this year’s Wonder Woman Tournament. Williams powered her way to the finals with decisive wins over highly ranked Illinois standout Annabelle Mueller and North Kansas City senior Juliana Tice. In the championship match, she left no doubt, earning a commanding 15-0 tech fall over Festus’ Addison Cupp to claim the title.
While her high school success has come quickly, it is far from unexpected. Williams entered high school with a decorated youth résumé, including four youth state championships and extensive national experience. She has represented Missouri multiple times on the national stage and went undefeated at last year’s National Duals. Alongside close friend and training partner Jauzlyean Gray, Williams also found success at Women’s Nationals, placing second in the 15U division and further signaling what was to come at the high school level.
Transitioning into high school wrestling can bring pressure and uncertainty, especially when competing against older and more experienced opponents. For Williams, those challenges have been met with trust in her preparation.
“I just trust my training,” she said. “I know I train harder than most.”
Facing older competition and performing under the spotlight does not intimidate her. Williams knows she belongs on the mat with anyone in her weight class. A constant source of support is her father, Brett Williams, who also sits in the coach’s chair. Before big matches, Zolah leans on him for reassurance and perspective. With a prayer and a few calming words, he is there every time she steps onto the mat, offering unwavering support.
When asked what advice she would give to a young girl who might be too nervous to try wrestling, Williams didn’t hesitate.
“Try it,” she said. “I was that little girl once. Trust me… just try it.”
As she prepares for her first district tournament, Williams appears poised, confident, and ready for the next challenge. With her sights set on postseason success, she is already positioning herself as a key figure in Missouri high school wrestling history.
“I feel great, and I have a lot of confidence,” Williams said.
The confidence is evident. The results speak for themselves. And as the postseason approaches, all eyes will be on Zolah Williams as she represents Kearney in Class 1 at the state tournament in Columbia.
