Sianni Appolon: Two-time state champ, trailblazer in girls' wrestling

Kentucky high school senior Sianni Appolon has won back-to-back state wrestling titles, paving the way for the next generation of female wrestlers.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:53pm

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Sianni Appolon, a senior at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, has won two consecutive state wrestling championships after the sport was sanctioned for girls in 2023. Appolon, who started wrestling just three years ago, is now an All-American and is inspiring other young women to give the sport a try.

Why it matters

The growth of girls' wrestling in Kentucky reflects a nationwide trend, as the sport continues to gain popularity and recognition. Appolon's success serves as an inspiration for aspiring female wrestlers, showing that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve greatness in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

The details

Appolon placed fifth at the state tournament during her sophomore year, then won the state championship as a junior. This year, she had another undefeated season and won the state title again, also earning All-American honors at the national tournament. Her coach, Andy Critchfield, has praised Appolon's natural talent, strength, and speed, as well as her love for the sport.

  • Girls' wrestling became an officially sanctioned sport in Kentucky in 2023.
  • Appolon won her first state title as a junior in 2025.
  • Appolon won her second consecutive state title in 2026.

The players

Sianni Appolon

A senior at Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, who has won two consecutive state wrestling championships and is an All-American.

Andy Critchfield

Appolon's health teacher and longtime boys' wrestling coach at Henry Clay High School, who saw her potential and encouraged her to try the sport.

Amy Velasco

A student at Lafayette High School in Lexington who won a state wrestling title this season.

Elene Niyogoshima

A student at Lafayette High School in Lexington who won a state wrestling title this season, helping her team earn its second team state title.

Kentucky High School Athletic Association

The organization that oversees high school sports in Kentucky, including the sanctioning of girls' wrestling in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“It's like another version of myself when I get in a wrestling environment.”

— Sianni Appolon

“Starting girls wrestling, I wanted any and every girl to come to the meeting, and she had the courage to come out and try it, and for any new wrestler, that's really the first battle, taking the chance with something you're not comfortable with or know very well and giving it a shot.”

— Andy Critchfield, Appolon's health teacher and longtime boys' wrestling coach

“A lot of people who watch Sianni wrestle say she's so strong, she's so fast, but she's also very good at the sport of wrestling. She loves to wrestle, and she picks up moves very quickly, as quick as anybody I've ever coached, guy or girl.”

— Andy Critchfield, Appolon's health teacher and longtime boys' wrestling coach

“I felt like there was a lot of pressure for me to be number one, and when I won the state championship that kind of solidified it and it took a lot of weight off my shoulders because it proved that I was number one, but now I can relax and be Sianni.”

— Sianni Appolon

“I may not get that chance again. I've got a few years left in me. I'd love to have another high school state champ, but it doesn't come easy.”

— Andy Critchfield, Appolon's health teacher and longtime boys' wrestling coach

What’s next

Appolon hopes to continue her wrestling career in college after graduating from Henry Clay High School.

The takeaway

Sianni Appolon's success as a two-time state wrestling champion in Kentucky highlights the growing popularity and acceptance of girls' wrestling, inspiring young women to pursue the sport and proving that they can excel in a traditionally male-dominated field.