SOLON — The Solon High School girls wrestling team is stepping onto the mat this season with high expectations and a strong foundation of talent.
Coming into the year ranked #7 in Class 1A out of 140 teams, the Lady Spartans are poised to make waves in the wrestling world. With an experienced roster, key returners, and a booming youth program, the program thrives under the leadership of Head Coach Jake Munson and his accomplished coaching staff.
A veteran-led team
This year’s senior class features five athletes who bring both leadership and skill to the team. Two-time state qualifier Olivia Bonnema (ranked #10 at 145 lbs.) and Kara VeDepo (ranked #3 at 100 lbs. after a 4th-place state finish in 2024) lead the charge.
They are joined by returning letter-winners Makayla Keller and Lucy Miller, and first-year wrestler Ella Sheeley, who is eager to make her mark. The juniors add further depth and experience to the roster. Standouts include Alannah Mahoney (state qualifier at 120 lbs., ranked #12) and McKenna Rogers, who has placed 5th at state for two years in a row at 105 lbs. and enters the season ranked #2.
Returning letter winners like Alexis Anderson, Abby Gregory, and Adlie Miller round out a solid junior group, while Joli Sinnwell is the team manager. The team’s sophomores and freshmen bring a mix of return- ing talent and fresh energy. Sophomores Layla Knazze, Tess Richards, and Haiden Wolfe add stability to the roster. At the same time, first-year wrestlers like Evie Gasser, Sophia Barry, and Peyton Gordon represent the next generation of Lady Spartans.
A program on the rise
One of the most exciting aspects of Solon’s wrestling program is its rapid growth. This year, 60 girls from kindergarten through 8th grade have joined the girls’ youth wrestling club. The surge in participation signals a bright future for the program and reflects the growing popularity of girls’ wrestling in Iowa.
Now, in his fifth year of leading the Lady Spartans, Coach Munson is thrilled to see the program expand. Backed by assistant
coaches Kaitlin Hatcher, Brian Jett, T.J. Bevans, and Trinity Chapman (a Lady Spartan Wrestling alum), the coaching staff combines decades of experience and a deep commitment to devel- oping wrestlers at all levels.
Looking ahead
With a talented roster and a flourishing youth program, the Solon girls’ wrestling team is setting its sights set high for the 2024-25 season. Fans and community members are encouraged to come out and support the team next Friday the intrasquad dual, where the athletes will showcase their hard work and skills.
The Lady Spartans have the tools, talent, and determination to build on last season’s success and cement their place as one of the top teams in Iowa.