Gabriella Conte and Ella Poalillo Become 3-Time State Champions

The high school juniors from different schools and weight classes share the rare accomplishment.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:50am

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Ella Poalillo of High Point and Gabriella Conte of Hanover Park have both become three-time state champions in their respective high school wrestling competitions. Despite attending different schools and competing in different weight classes, the two juniors have now achieved the rare feat of winning their state titles three times.

Why it matters

Winning a state championship once is an impressive accomplishment, but doing so three times is an exceptional achievement that solidifies these wrestlers as elite talents in their sport. Their shared success highlights the dedication and skill required to reach the top of high school wrestling in New Jersey.

The details

Poalillo and Conte have been rivals on the mat for years, but their shared accomplishment of becoming three-time state champions has forged a unique bond between the two athletes. Both wrestlers have put in countless hours of training and preparation to reach this level of dominance in their respective weight classes.

  • Poalillo and Conte have now won their third consecutive state titles in 2026.

The players

Ella Poalillo

A high school junior wrestler from High Point who has won the state championship in her weight class three years in a row.

Gabriella Conte

A high school junior wrestler from Hanover Park who has won the state championship in her weight class three years in a row.

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What they’re saying

“This is what I trained for all season. It's the main event so I'm glad to get it done.”

— Ella Poalillo (New Jersey Herald)

The takeaway

Poalillo and Conte's shared accomplishment of becoming three-time state champions in high school wrestling demonstrates the incredible dedication, skill, and competitive spirit required to reach the pinnacle of their sport. Their rivalry has pushed each other to new heights, solidifying their legacies as two of the greatest wrestlers in New Jersey history.