Three-Time Champions Rise at New Jersey Girls Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City

Ella Poalillo, Gabriella Conte, and Olivia Georges each win their third state titles in New Jersey

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 NJSIAA Girls Wrestling State Championships in Atlantic City saw three wrestlers - Ella Poalillo, Gabriella Conte, and Olivia Georges - each win their third state titles. Poalillo, Conte, and Georges are all ranked nationally and are on pace to potentially join Bloomfield's Kira Pipkins as four-time state champions in 2027.

Why it matters

The growth of girls wrestling in New Jersey has been remarkable, with the state tournament expanding from just 60 competitors in 2019 to a full season and regional qualifiers in 2026. The emergence of three-time champions highlights the increasing depth and talent in the sport, as well as the opportunity for wrestlers like Poalillo, Conte, and Georges to cement their legacies as all-time greats in the state.

The details

Poalillo, the top-ranked 155-pounder in the country, dominated her final match against Fatina Lozier of Pennsauken, securing a takedown and running an arm bar for the pin in 2:33. Conte, ranked sixth nationally at 110 pounds, cruised to a 14-2 major decision over Williamstown's Andrianna DiGregerio. And at 170 pounds, Georges, ranked third in the country, closed out her high school career with a 17-6 major decision over Liliana Alicea of Central Regional.

  • Poalillo and Conte remain on pace to join Pipkins as four-time state champions in 2027.
  • The 2026 NJSIAA Girls Wrestling State Championships took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Atlantic City.

The players

Ella Poalillo

A junior at High Point Regional High School and the top-ranked 155-pound wrestler in the country, Poalillo won her third state title on Saturday.

Gabriella Conte

A junior at Hanover Park High School, Conte is the sixth-ranked 110-pound wrestler nationally and won her third state championship.

Olivia Georges

A senior at DePaul Catholic High School, Georges is the third-ranked 170-pound wrestler in the country and closed out her high school career with a third state title.

Kira Pipkins

The only girl to be a four-time state champion in New Jersey, Pipkins accomplished the feat in 2023.

Elle Changaris

A sophomore at High Point Regional High School, Changaris won her second state title at 120 pounds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The continued growth and success of girls wrestling in New Jersey, highlighted by the emergence of three-time state champions like Poalillo, Conte, and Georges, demonstrates the sport's increasing popularity and the opportunity for young women to excel at the highest levels. As the state tournament continues to expand, the potential for more historic achievements like four-time titles remains an exciting prospect for the future of the sport.