Central Ohio's Top OHSAA Girls Wrestlers Honored

The Dispatch reveals the 2025-26 All-Metro team, including three state champions.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Three central Ohio competitors won state titles in girls wrestling's fourth season as an OHSAA sport, and those champions highlight The Dispatch's 2025-26 All-Metro team. The Athlete of the Year in each sport will be announced at the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards on June 22 at Upper Arlington High School.

Why it matters

Girls wrestling continues to grow in popularity and recognition in Ohio, with the OHSAA sanctioning it as an official sport in 2022. This All-Metro team highlights the top talent in the central Ohio region, showcasing the hard work and achievements of these young athletes.

The details

The All-Metro team features 10 wrestlers, including three state champions. Brokaw, Carder, and Tibbs each won their respective weight class titles, while several others placed on the podium at the state tournament. The team also includes two freshmen, Dowalter and Thomas, who enjoyed strong debut seasons. Orange High School, led by Coach of the Year Brian Nicola, finished third at the state tournament, the highest finish for a central Ohio team.

  • The 2025-26 All-Metro team was announced on April 2, 2026.
  • The Central Ohio High School Sports Awards ceremony will take place on June 22, 2026, where the Athlete of the Year in each sport will be announced.
  • Girls wrestling became an official OHSAA sport in 2022, and this is the fourth season of competition.

The players

Brokaw

A junior (44-2) who earned her second consecutive state championship, defeating Vincent Warren's Emma Gorrell 10-4 in the final at 110 pounds. Brokaw also captured district and sectional titles.

Carder

A junior (46-2) who earned her first state championship, defeating Marysville's Cami Leng 14-4 in the 120 final and leading the Pioneers to third place as a team. Carder also cruised to district and sectional titles.

Cruz

A junior (41-6) who reached the podium for the first time, finishing third at 100 after beating Poland Seminary's Ella Thomas 11-4 to secure third place. Cruz won district and sectional championships.

Dowalter

One of two freshmen on the All-Metro team, Dowalter (43-4) enjoyed a strong first season at the high school level, finishing third at state at 125 after winning district and sectional titles.

Johnson

The senior (43-9) advanced to the 140 state final before dropping a 15-11 decision to Massillon Perry's Emma Shephard. Johnson, who competed in her first state tournament, finished first at sectional and second at district.

Justice

A four-time state qualifier, the senior (45-5) capped her prep career by finishing fourth at 135, dropping a 4-0 decision to Kettering Alter's Alora Strauser in her final match. Justice won district and sectional titles.

Knick

The senior (47-5) battled back to finish third at 130 after losing her semifinal match. She completed her comeback for third by pinning West Chester Lakota West's Kelsey King in 2:20. Knick, a Kent State commit, captured district and sectional titles.

Leng

In her third trip to state, the junior (43-4) lost the 120 final to Carder, a close friend and sparring partner. Leng lost a 4-3 decision to Carder in the district final after winning a sectional title.

Mills

The senior (42-5) closed her prep career by finishing fifth at 170 in her fourth state appearance. Mills finished first at sectional and second at district.

Thomas

The other freshman on the All-Metro team, Thomas (43-5) finished second at state at 145, losing 12-11 to Ashland Crestview's Naomi Gearheart in the final. Thomas won district and sectional championships.

Tibbs

The junior (44-2) earned her second consecutive state title, pinning Archbold's Vivienne Legato in 2:42 in the final at 155. Tibbs also captured district and sectional titles.

Wisseh

Competing in her fourth state tournament, the senior (43-4) reached the podium for the first time, finishing third at 170. She won district and sectional championships.

Brian Nicola

Nicola was named The Dispatch's Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season after guiding the Pioneers to third place at state, the highest finish for a central Ohio team. Orange also won district and sectional titles and the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association state duals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's really dedicated and he's really passionate. I'm really grateful and lucky to have him as one of my coaches.”

— Carder

What’s next

The Athlete of the Year in each sport, including girls wrestling, will be announced at the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards on June 22, 2026 at Upper Arlington High School.

The takeaway

This All-Metro team highlights the continued growth and success of girls wrestling in central Ohio, with several state champions and medalists showcasing the talent and dedication of these young athletes. The high finish by Orange High School also demonstrates the strength of the program and coaching staff in the region.