Judd Sisters Lead Lincoln North Star Girls Wrestling to State

The program went from 1 state qualifier to 7 in just 1 year.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Lincoln North Star Girls Wrestling has seen a remarkable rise, going from 1 state qualifier in 2025 to 7 state qualifiers in 2026. Leading the charge are senior Deja Judd, who recently surpassed 100 career wins, and her younger sister Jocelyn, a freshman state qualifier. Head coach Tyler Nelson credits the Judd sisters for setting an example and helping grow the program.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of the Lincoln North Star Girls Wrestling program demonstrates the increasing popularity and acceptance of girls' wrestling in Nebraska. The Judd sisters' success is inspiring other young female athletes to take up the sport.

The details

In 2025, Deja Judd became the first Lincoln North Star wrestler to qualify for the state tournament. One year later, she is joined by 6 of her teammates, a remarkable rise for the young program. Deja, the senior leader, has set an example by surpassing 100 career wins. Her goal this year is to medal at the state tournament, but she is most excited to compete alongside her teammates, including her younger sister Jocelyn, who qualified as a freshman.

  • Deja Judd became the first Lincoln North Star wrestler to qualify for the state tournament in 2025.
  • The 2026 NSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament starts on Tuesday, February 17, in Omaha.

The players

Deja Judd

A senior at Lincoln North Star High School and the first wrestler from the school to qualify for the state tournament. She recently surpassed 100 career wins and is the team's senior leader.

Jocelyn Judd

Deja Judd's younger sister, who qualified for the state tournament as a freshman, following in her sister's footsteps.

Tyler Nelson

The head coach of the Lincoln North Star Girls Wrestling team, who has helped guide the program's rapid growth and success.

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What they’re saying

“It's really rewarding to be able to kind of achieve my goals after working hard and especially when I've had so many people like coaches and teammates that have helped me get where I am. It's nice to be able to... make them proud.”

— Deja Judd (1011now.com)

“She just really pushed herself and worked really hard to get to where she is now. And I think that really motivates me also to see how she grew and kind of just shows me that I can grow like that as well.”

— Jocelyn Judd (1011now.com)

“I always point towards Deja. She's the first girl to come to our program for four years. You have this first state qualifier in school history who started off very rough in her career and progressed into a two-time state qualifier, hopefully state medalist, state champion.”

— Tyler Nelson, Head Coach (1011now.com)

What’s next

The 2026 NSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament starts on Tuesday, February 17, in Omaha, where the Lincoln North Star wrestlers will compete.

The takeaway

The success of the Lincoln North Star Girls Wrestling program, led by the Judd sisters, demonstrates the growing popularity and acceptance of girls' wrestling in Nebraska. Their achievements are inspiring other young female athletes to take up the sport and pursue their own wrestling dreams.