The Lakeland girls wrestling program is proud to announce a historic milestone reached by senior standout Naomi Arroyo, who capped off a dominant final season by becoming the school’s first-ever state placer in girls' wrestling since the sport’s official sanctioning by the IHSAA in the 2024-25 school year. In the 2023 - 2024 season, Lakeland alumnus Angelina Clay finished 7th in the state prior to girls' wrestling becoming an official IHSAA sport!
A Season for the Record Books
Arroyo concluded her senior campaign with an elite 33-2 record, cementing her status as one of the most formidable competitors in the state. Her journey to the podium was defined by consistency and a relentless drive to improve upon her previous year’s performance.
After qualifying for the state finals last year but falling short of the podium, Arroyo returned this season with a renewed focus. Her postseason run was nothing short of spectacular:
Sectional Champion: Claimed the top spot with a dominant performance.
Regional Finalist: Battled through a tough bracket to secure a 3rd-place finish.
State Finals: Delivered a powerhouse performance, going 3-1 on the big stage to secure 5th Place overall.
Breaking Barriers
While the accolades are impressive, Arroyo’s achievement carries extra weight as she becomes the first female wrestler at Lakeland to place at state under the newly official IHSAA banner. Her 5th-place finish sets a high-water mark for the program and serves as a blueprint for future generations of female athletes in the district!