Nixa Girls Wrestling Wins Second Straight Class 2 State Title

Natalie Edmisson's individual state championship helps Nixa defend its team crown

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Nixa High School girls wrestling team won its second consecutive Class 2 state championship, scoring 122.5 team points to edge out runner-up Willard (114 points). Nixa was led by individual state champion Natalie Edmisson, who pinned all of her opponents in the 155-pound weight class. Other medalists for Nixa included Addison Harkins (2nd, 130 lbs), Kamryn Bourbon (2nd, 145 lbs), and Brylee James (4th, 135 lbs). Willard had two individual state champions in Emily Brixey (170 lbs) and Scout Puryear (130 lbs), and also had three other medalists.

Why it matters

Nixa's back-to-back state titles cement the program as a rising power in Missouri girls wrestling, continuing a trend of success in the sport for southwest Missouri schools. Willard's strong runner-up finish also shows the Tigers are emerging as a force to be reckoned with in Class 2.

The details

Nixa head coach Dustin Martin said this year's state title felt "completely different" from the team's championship a year ago, as the Eagles had to hold off a tough challenge from Willard. Edmisson dominated her competition, pinning all four of her opponents including the No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 ranked wrestlers in the 155-pound class. Willard got individual titles from junior Emily Brixey (170 lbs) and freshman Scout Puryear (130 lbs), who earned redemption against Nixa's Addison Harkins after losing to her earlier in the season.

  • Nixa won the Class 2 state girls wrestling championship in the 2024-25 season.
  • Nixa repeated as Class 2 state champions this season (2025-26).

The players

Nixa

The Nixa High School girls wrestling team, which has emerged as a dynasty in Class 2 after winning back-to-back state titles.

Natalie Edmisson

A Nixa wrestler who won the individual state championship in the 155-pound weight class, pinning all of her opponents.

Willard

The Willard High School girls wrestling team, which finished as the Class 2 state runner-up and had two individual state champions.

Emily Brixey

A Willard junior who won the individual state title in the 170-pound weight class after struggling in the offseason.

Scout Puryear

A Willard freshman who won the individual state championship in the 130-pound weight class, getting redemption against Nixa's Addison Harkins.

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What they’re saying

“It feels completely different this year. There were a few more highs than lows. Last year, we won by a huge margin, and this year it was tight until the end.”

— Dustin Martin, Nixa head coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“It's always been my goal to win it all. I think I wrestled great. I dominated. I got the first takedown and I ended up pinning her. She took me to my back at one point, but I knew I could come back and get her.”

— Natalie Edmisson (ozarkssportszone.com)

“I will always remember this moment. After losing every match I had this summer, I locked in and put in the work. It feels great to find success.”

— Emily Brixey, Willard junior (ozarkssportszone.com)

“It was really cool. I think every wrestler should experience this. It was really awesome to be out there.”

— Scout Puryear, Willard freshman (ozarkssportszone.com)

“It feels great to be the first Carthage girls wrestler to win a state title. My technique was great. I just wanted to shoot, shoot, shoot, and I got those points on her.”

— Kaylee James, Carthage sophomore (ozarkssportszone.com)

What’s next

The Nixa and Willard girls wrestling teams will look to continue their success next season as they aim to compete for another state championship.

The takeaway

Nixa's back-to-back state titles and Willard's emergence as a Class 2 power showcase the growth of girls wrestling in southwest Missouri, with multiple programs establishing themselves as elite programs in the state.