Willowbrook Sophomore Wins School's First Girls Wrestling Regional Title

Angie Manlapaz overcame an injury to become the first girls regional champion in Willowbrook history.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Willowbrook High School sophomore Angie Manlapaz made history by winning the 115-pound championship at the Glenbard West Regional, becoming the first girls wrestler from the school to win a regional title. Manlapaz, who only started wrestling a year ago, overcame an injury earlier in the season to achieve the milestone.

Why it matters

Manlapaz's achievement is significant for the Willowbrook wrestling program, which has historically been dominated by male athletes. Her regional title win highlights the growing popularity and acceptance of girls wrestling at the high school level.

The details

Manlapaz was unaware that she was the first girls wrestler from Willowbrook to win a regional championship. She was confident heading into the tournament, having been told by her coaches that she had a good chance of qualifying for the sectional round. Manlapaz's semifinal match stood out, as she was able to overcome her opponent's preferred headlock move to win unexpectedly.

  • Manlapaz won the 115-pound regional championship on February 11, 2026.
  • Manlapaz was sidelined for two months earlier in the season due to a fractured bone in her middle finger.

The players

Angie Manlapaz

A sophomore wrestler at Willowbrook High School who won the school's first girls wrestling regional championship.

Zoey Dempsey

A nationally ranked wrestler whom Manlapaz may have to face at the sectional tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Honestly I did not know. I thought there was probably a girl before me that won the title. For me, I just was really proud of myself knowing I only started a year ago and seeing my progression as a wrestler is impressive for me.”

— Angie Manlapaz, Willowbrook Sophomore Wrestler (shawlocal.com)

“I was pretty confident. All my coaches, my parents and my mentors said I has a good shot at becoming a sectional qualifier. One of my coaches said just go out there and try your best. That motivated me to win the regional.”

— Angie Manlapaz, Willowbrook Sophomore Wrestler (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

Manlapaz's next goal is to qualify for the state tournament by advancing past the sectional round. She may have to face nationally ranked wrestler Zoey Dempsey in the sectional competition.

The takeaway

Angie Manlapaz's historic regional championship win highlights the growing popularity and acceptance of girls wrestling at the high school level, and her achievement is a significant milestone for the Willowbrook wrestling program.