Shenendehowa's Ava Guilmette wins second straight state title

Sophomore moves up in weight class and overcomes near career-ending injury

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Shenendehowa sophomore Ava Guilmette captured her second consecutive NYSPHSAA wrestling title, this time at 165 pounds, after moving up in weight and overcoming a near career-ending injury over the summer. Guilmette defeated Clarence's Michaela Thomas, the defending 165-pound state champion, in the final.

Why it matters

Guilmette's victory is a remarkable achievement, as she not only defended her state title but also moved up in weight class and overcame a serious injury that nearly ended her career. Her success highlights the resilience and dedication of high school athletes, and her story is an inspiration to young wrestlers across the state.

The details

Guilmette, who won the 145-pound state championship last year, moved up in weight this season and defeated Clarence's Michaela Thomas, the defending 165-pound state champion, in the final. Guilmette revealed that she battled a serious injury over the summer that nearly ended her career, making her victory even more significant.

  • Guilmette won the 145-pound state championship in 2025.
  • Guilmette captured the 165-pound state championship on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Ava Guilmette

A sophomore wrestler at Shenendehowa High School who won her second consecutive NYSPHSAA wrestling title, this time at 165 pounds, after moving up in weight class and overcoming a near career-ending injury.

Michaela Thomas

The defending 165-pound state champion from Clarence High School, who Guilmette defeated in the final.

Dan Palmerino

The head coach of the Shenendehowa High School wrestling team, which crowned five place-winners and secured the team title.

Ella Gregg

A senior wrestler at Niskayuna/Schenectady High School who earned a third-place finish in the 145-pound weight class.

Ava Gregg

A freshman wrestler at Shaker High School and Ella Gregg's half-sister, who also earned a third-place finish in the 235-pound weight class.

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What they’re saying

“I knew I had it. It's just a feeling.”

— Ava Guilmette (Times Union)

“I'm just so happy to be back. I'm just so happy.”

— Ava Guilmette (Times Union)

“Cutting weight is just not fun for anyone. I'm much happier, much healthier.”

— Ava Guilmette (Times Union)

“It kind of sucks, because I had just gotten off the mat, and I hadn't fully been able to process that I lost. And then I was told I was up, and I was like, 'Oh, I have to go wrestle now, great.' But it's nice to come back.”

— Ella Gregg, Niskayuna/Schenectady senior (Times Union)

“She's a warrior. She's always ready to bounce back. She has a lot of fight in her, so I wasn't worried.”

— Lisa Anson, Shaker coach (Times Union)

What’s next

Guilmette leaves this week for the Pan Am trials, where she will look to continue her success on the national stage.

The takeaway

Ava Guilmette's remarkable achievement of winning a second consecutive state wrestling title, this time at a higher weight class and after overcoming a near career-ending injury, is a testament to the resilience and dedication of high school athletes. Her story serves as an inspiration to young wrestlers across New York state.