What a season it has been. As I sit here trying to put into words what this journey has meant, I find myself overwhelmed with emotions. The Lady Jaguars have truly embodied the phrase "Stronger Than the Storm." We’ve been through so much—unexpected losses, surgeries, team members stepping away, and key wrestlers unable to compete in the postseason. Yet, despite it all, those who remained fought relentlessly, refusing to let adversity define us.
Every single match this season, we went into battle knowing we were giving up one or two weight classes. And yet, these girls never backed down. They clawed their way to an unbelievable 25-3 dual record—one of those losses even coming down to criteria after tying in match points. In that dual, we actually won 5 out of the 7 matches wrestled, gaining 1 forfeit while giving up 4 forfeits due to unfilled weights. Earlier in the season, we took on the 6A State Champions and lost by just 10 points—12 of their points coming simply because we had two weight classes unfilled. It was an intense dual, and it proved just how dominant we are. Our only other loss came at the hands of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the OSSAA Girls 6A West Regional Champions, who are now gearing up for their state tournament. We wish them nothing but the best!
Looking at the numbers, this was once again one of the most successful seasons in our program’s history:
Season Highlights
Returning Arlington Invitational Champions
3rd Place at Montwood Madness Duals in El Paso (winning 8 out of 9 duals)
Repeat LISD Ladies Cup Champions
Runner-Up at the Inaugural Diamond Duals (hosted at home)
CFISD Invitational Runner-Up (with 4 Individual Champions)
Lady Raccoon Duals Champions, taking down Frisco HS after losing to them in the finals last year
3rd Place at Haltom Stampede, despite losing two of our best competitors
District & Regional Success
We entered the district tournament with six competitors, and five of them qualified for regionals:
Jennifer Cho (3rd at 114 lbs)
Isabella Silva (2nd at 126 lbs)
Gwendolyn Musser (1st at 132 lbs, District Champion!)
Anna Oliver (3rd at 145 lbs)
London Rolen (3rd at 152 lbs)
Then came regionals, and these girls did what they do best—fight.
Isabella Silva battled back to claim her first Regional Championship
Gwendolyn Musser reached the Regional Finals for the first time, placing 2nd
Anna Oliver fought her way to 4th place, punching her first ticket to State
The State Tournament: The Final Fight
I knew heading into State that this was going to be a dog fight.
Gwendolyn Musser, after two brutal matches, came up just shy of her goal. But what a career she’s had—173-52 record, three of her seven season losses coming at Regionals and State. It hurts to see her fall short, but a State Medal doesn’t define her worth in wrestling. She is a leader, a fighter, and has left an incredible mark on this team.
Anna Oliver, in her first State appearance, went 2-2, falling in the blood rounds. She was so close to making the podium, and even though she fell short, she proved she belongs among Texas’ best.
Isabella Silva, after four long years, made it to the State Finals, becoming just the second Lady Jag ever to reach a State Final! In the middle of her match, I had to pause and pop her thumb back into place—but she never hesitated, never backed down. Down 4-3 with 45 seconds left, we had no choice but to go to our feet, giving her opponent a two-point lead. She went for a last-second Hail Mary arm spin, but it didn’t land, and instead, we gave up a takedown. Isabella finished as State Runner-Up, and while it wasn’t the ending we wanted, she showed grace, strength, and sportsmanship—something her opponent couldn’t say for herself. Isabella is everything a Lady Jag should be, and I only hope the rest of the team took note of what it truly means to represent this program.
The Hardest Part of Coaching
This time of year always hits me like a freight train. Every year, I tell myself I’ll be ready to say goodbye, but the truth is—I never am. One moment, they’re scrawny, wild, lost-in-the-sauce freshmen, and before I know it, I’m coaching them one last time.
Many think I get mad or frustrated at the end of the season, but the truth is—I’m just trying to find a way to cope. I have poured my heart, time, energy, and tears into these girls. I’ve heard about their highs and lows, their friendships, their struggles, their injuries. I’ve watched them grow, and then, just like that—it’s over.
I remind myself that I am just a stepping stone in their journey. My only hope is that I’ve instilled something in them that they will carry forward—whether it’s on the mat, in life, or somewhere completely unexpected. I hold onto the hope that I’ll hear from them down the road, see them pursue their dreams, and get to witness the incredible people they are becoming.
To My Seniors
I am forever grateful to have had you in my life. I am so incredibly proud of you—not just as athletes, but as people. We’ve had our ups and downs, but through it all, you have made this team, this program, and my heart so full.
No matter where life takes you, remember—you will always be a Lady Jag. Please don’t forget about us. Keep chasing greatness, stay clear of the drama...it always tries to chase greatness to tear it down and never stop fighting.
Stronger than the storm. Forever a Lady Jag.
