Wildcats' Willow Ray Approaches State Wrestling Tournament More Confidently

West Central Valley junior reflects on her growth from sophomore to junior year

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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West Central Valley junior Willow Ray was the lone representative for the Wildcats at the 2026 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Wrestling Tournament in Coralville. Ray, who competed in the 130-pound weight class, says she approached the tournament more confidently this year after being named a regional champion, compared to last year when she qualified via medical forfeit. Despite dealing with a low-grade fever, Ray's goal was to have fun and not take it too seriously, noting her improved composure from her sophomore to junior season.

Why it matters

Ray's experience highlights the mental growth and maturity student-athletes can develop over the course of their high school careers, as they learn to better manage the highs and lows of competitive sports. Her story also showcases the increasing opportunities for girls to participate in traditionally male-dominated sports like wrestling.

The details

At the state tournament, Ray won her first match in an 11-4 decision against Sioux Central's Nataley Frerk, then lost to Spirit Lake's Reece Logan in the Quarterfinals, and was defeated by Osage's Adyen Keefe in the second round of the consolation bracket. Ray explains that she'll use these experiences to improve ahead of her senior season.

  • Ray qualified for the state tournament during the 2024-25 season.
  • The 2026 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Wrestling Tournament took place in Coralville.

The players

Willow Ray

A junior at West Central Valley High School who was the lone representative for the Wildcats at the 2026 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Wrestling Tournament.

Nataley Frerk

A wrestler from Sioux Central High School who Ray defeated in her first match at the state tournament.

Reece Logan

A wrestler from Spirit Lake High School who defeated Ray in the Quarterfinals at the state tournament.

Adyen Keefe

A wrestler from Osage High School who defeated Ray in the second round of the consolation bracket at the state tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Last year, I had seven losses on my record and every single loss I didn't take it well at all. I would go away and hide away for 30 minutes without talking to my coaches and just getting in my head and being really upset with myself. But this year, I kind of tried my best to keep it together as best as I could. I mean losing sucks, but it's apart of the sport and I would try to take the criticism from my coaches that was needed just to know what I can do better in my next match.”

— Willow Ray (raccoonvalleyradio.com)

What’s next

Ray plans to use the experiences from the 2026 state tournament to improve and prepare for her senior season.

The takeaway

Willow Ray's story demonstrates the mental and emotional growth student-athletes can experience over the course of their high school careers, as they learn to better manage the ups and downs of competitive sports. Her increased confidence and composure from her sophomore to junior year highlight the valuable life lessons that can be learned through participation in high school athletics.