South Elgin's Allison Garbacz is 2025-26 Girls Wrestler of the Year

Sophomore wrestler captures state title with perfect 42-0 season

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:41am

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South Elgin's Allison Garbacz, a sophomore, won the state wrestling title at 155 pounds with a perfect 42-0 record, becoming her school's first individual state champion. Garbacz, the 2025-26 Beacon-News/Courier-News Girls Wrestler of the Year, bounced back from a fourth-place finish as a freshman to dominate her competition this season.

Why it matters

Garbacz's historic state title victory underscores the growth and popularity of girls wrestling in Illinois, which has seen a surge in participation in recent years. Her success also highlights the dedication and hard work required to reach the top of the sport at such a young age.

The details

After a fourth-place finish at 145 pounds as a freshman, Garbacz returned to the state tournament this year with a vengeance. She captured the 155-pound state title with a second-period pin over Freeburg's Grace Stratton, capping off a perfect 42-0 season. Garbacz's dominance was on full display throughout the year, including a dramatic sectional win over the defending state champion.

  • Garbacz finished fourth at 145 pounds as a freshman in the 2024-25 season.
  • Garbacz won the 155-pound state title with a 42-0 record in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Allison Garbacz

A sophomore wrestler at South Elgin High School who captured the 155-pound state title with a perfect 42-0 record, becoming her school's first individual state champion.

Natalie Beaumont

A wrestler from Cumberland who defeated Garbacz in the state semifinals during the 2024-25 season.

Grace Stratton

A wrestler from Freeburg who faced Garbacz in the 155-pound state championship match in the 2025-26 season.

Jackie Martinez

A junior 140-pound wrestler and Garbacz's teammate who described her as unselfish, giving, and an amazing example for the rest of the team.

Kathy Pallares

A senior 100-pound wrestler and first-year teammate of Garbacz who said she wouldn't have gotten through the season without Garbacz's guidance and support.

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What they’re saying

“She cares not only about her success but those around her. She's very dependable, always shows up and always gives 100% no matter what. She's relentless, always thinking, always one step ahead when it comes to being either on the mat or off. She sets an amazing example for the rest of the team.”

— Jackie Martinez, Junior 140-pound wrestler

“I wouldn't have gotten through it without her. My core memory, being around her between matches or outside of wrestling, is how calm she stays in the most stressful situations. She genuinely lights up a room.”

— Kathy Pallares, Senior 100-pound wrestler

What’s next

Garbacz will look to defend her state title and continue her undefeated streak as a junior in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Allison Garbacz's dominant state championship season highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of girls wrestling in Illinois, as well as the dedication and leadership required to reach the top of the sport at a young age.