The Jackson High School Girls’ Wrestling team had a season to remember, marking the most successful year in school history. With a record number of 17 athletes turning out—many of them freshmen and sophomores—the team showcased its growing depth and talent under the leadership of junior and senior wrestlers. Their hard work and dedication led to unprecedented achievements including dominant performances at tournaments and breaking school records.

Throughout the season, Jackson athletes consistently performed well, winning at least one of two matches in their respective weight classes at all scrambles. The team’s standout moment came at Kamiak’s scramble, where they scored 140 points to secure a 1st place finish. Another historic milestone was achieved when Jackson hosted its first-ever home dual, defeating Monroe 40-24. In postseason competition, the team placed 4th at the WESCO dual championships among seven 4A high schools.

One of the biggest highlights of the season was at the district state-qualifying tournament, where Jackson shattered previous school records by qualifying six individuals for state—doubling last year’s record of three. Leading the charge was Emily Ortiz Marquez, who captured her third consecutive district title and became Jackson’s first-ever state champion in wrestling. For Emily, the season was the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. Now a junior, she has been wrestling for four years and competes year-round. Her journey into the sport began in eighth grade when she took a chance on wrestling after not making the basketball team. That decision set her on a path of growth, both mentally and physically, pushing her to new limits.

Emily’s love for wrestling comes from the challenge of proving herself and pushing past barriers. She thrives on the saying, “Your mind quits before your body does”, knowing the hard work she puts in directly translates to results. Her proudest moment came when she won her first state title, overcoming a difficult weight cut and mental challenges. That victory validated the dedication she had poured into the sport and solidified her drive to achieve even more next season. Emily credits much of her success to her coaches, Coach Chey and Coach Joel, who have mentored her since she first started wrestling in middle school. They have been like family to her, guiding her not just in wrestling but in life. Inspired by their leadership, Emily hopes to follow in their footsteps, wrestling in college and eventually returning as a coach to support the next generation of athletes.

Beyond wrestling, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, cooking, and relaxing with friends. However, her passion remains firmly on the mat. She offers this advice to younger athletes: “Hard work always pays off, but success isn’t always consistent. Keep pushing forward, enjoy the journey, and never forget where you started.”

As Jackson Girls’ Wrestling continues to grow and shatter expectations, Emily and her teammates have set a new standard for success. With a strong foundation and an even stronger determination, the future of the program looks brighter than ever.