Simley's Charli Raymond wins fifth girls state wrestling title

Dominant junior continues to lead the ever-improving field of girls wrestling in Minnesota

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Charli Raymond, a junior at Simley High School, won her fifth individual state wrestling title on Saturday in St. Paul, Minnesota. Raymond delivered a technical fall victory over Roseville senior Anica Barze in the 118-pound title match, capping off an undefeated season. The girls wrestling landscape in Minnesota has grown increasingly competitive in recent years, with more wrestlers logging 30 matches per season and honing their skills.

Why it matters

Raymond's continued dominance highlights the rapid growth and rising competitiveness of girls wrestling in Minnesota. What was once a relatively new and sparsely populated sport has blossomed into a highly skilled and fiercely contested field, with more wrestlers than ever before vying for state titles.

The details

In the 118-pound title match, Raymond delivered a technical fall victory over Roseville senior Anica Barze, who had an impressive campaign that ended with only the lone defeat to Raymond. "I knew going into the match that it was going to be a tough match," Raymond said. "But as long as I stayed in my position, got to my ties, it wasn't going to be close." Raymond's victory marked her fifth individual state title, an accomplishment that grows more impressive each year as the sport continues to expand in Minnesota.

  • Charli Raymond won the first ever girls state championship five years ago.
  • The 2026 girls state wrestling tournament took place on Saturday, March 2nd.

The players

Charli Raymond

A junior at Simley High School who has won five individual state wrestling titles, including her latest victory on March 2, 2026.

Anica Barze

A senior at Roseville High School who reached the 118-pound title match, where she was defeated by Charli Raymond.

Cassandra Gonzales

A wrestler from Apple Valley High School who won her fourth state title on March 2, 2026.

Cece Rock

A wrestler from Luverne High School who reached the 155-pound title match, where she defeated defending champion Nora Akpan.

Taniah Borney

A junior at Eagan High School who upset highly ranked freshman Emma Antoni in the 142-pound title match with a first-period pin.

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What they’re saying

“I knew going into the match that it was going to be a tough match. But as long as I stayed in my position, got to my ties, it wasn't going to be close.”

— Charli Raymond (Neighborhood Sports Network)

“It felt like a lucky moment in my opinion. I used my own technique to catch a move that could've ended badly for me.”

— Taniah Borney (Neighborhood Sports Network)

“When it happened, I was looking at everyone and it was a very emotional moment for me, but I've wanted it. I wanted it so bad, and that's what gave me the drive to do it.”

— Taniah Borney (Neighborhood Sports Network)

What’s next

Charli Raymond will pursue her sixth individual state title next winter.

The takeaway

The rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of girls wrestling in Minnesota has made winning state titles a much more challenging feat, with more wrestlers logging extensive match experience and honing their skills. Dominant champions like Charli Raymond must continually push themselves to stay ahead of an ever-improving field.