The Daily News' first-ever girls wrestling All-Star team, for the 2023-24 season
After combing over statistics and results, and with the guidance of local athletic directors and coaches, we at the Daily News selected All-Stars for boys and girls basketball, boys and girls hockey, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls track and field, gymnastics, skiing and wrestling.
Although the sports and skill sets may vary, there’s no denying that this group put up otherworldly numbers this winter while helping their respective teams find success – whether that be on the court, field, ice, mat or track, or in the gym or pool.
Girls wrestling enjoyed a revolution in 2024. For the first time, All-States and New England tournaments included girls-only formats. At the Daily News, we figured it was appropriate to have a Girls Wrestling All-Star team for the first time.
Here is the inaugural team:
Grace Arena, Keefe Tech
The three-year varsity wrestler was a senior captain and placed second in Division 3 at 152 pounds. As a Junior, Arena was the first Keefe Tech female to win a match at All-States and was the only female on the wrestling team, competing against boys throughout the season. She is a four-year varsity softball player with a career average above .500 and is a two-time team MVP. Arena was a team MVP for cross country as a junior and played volleyball as a senior. A National Honor Society member with a 4.13 GPA, she works for Whittier rehabilitation hospital as a certified nursing assistant.
Bella Costa, Blackstone Valley Tech
This junior placed second in Division 2 and sixth at All-States at 185 pounds. Costa also finished fourth at the MLK Day Girls Tournament. Costa also runs cross country, where she was named Most Improved as a sophomore, and track. She was named Outstanding Student in her automotive technology class. Her career plans include either becoming a third-grade teacher, an automotive technician or agricultural equipment technician. Costa enjoys crocheting, knitting and running.
Adriana DeGroat, Framingham
DeGroat completed a sensational freshman season by placing fifth at New Englands after winning 120-pound titles at States and All-States. She had a 13-2 season record and won the Senators All-Girls Tournament Championship. She also plays softball and competes in robotics. “Adriana is very technically sound and is a wrestler who finds weaknesses in her opponents and exploits them to find ways to win,” said coach Erik Delahanty.
Madi Dowd, Tri-County
The veteran of a young Tri-County squad, Dowd had a spectacular senior season. She won the 132-pound title at Division 2 States and All-States before finishing fourth at New Englands. Dowd was named Mayflower League MVP. Her record against female opponents was 15-3. Dowd is a former competitive cheerleader, where she claimed All-America honors. A licensed Certified Nursing Assistant, she will wrestle at Western New England University. “Madi’s wrestling success is all about balance: she is dominant yet humble; powerful yet graceful, and she’s found individual success while putting the team first.” said coach Steve LaPlante.
Kaylee Guimond, Tri-County
Part of Tri-County's Division 2 state championship, this sophomore placed third at States for the 152-pound class. She also finished second at the Senators All Girls Wrestling Tournament in her first year as a wrestler. Guimond also plays softball. She is enrolled in Tri-County's dental assistance program. "Kaylee is very strong and she applies pressure well," said coach Steve LaPlante. "When she wrestles aggressively, she's hard to beat."
Sadie Hermann, Holliston
A Tri-Valley League All-Star, this senior placed fourth at Division 3 States and won two matches at All-States at 120 pounds in her first year of wrestling. Hermann participated in indoor and outdoor track and field for two years. She served four years as class treasurer and is a member of the National Honor Society. Hermann is also a St. Michael’s Book Award recipient. Enjoys playing acoustic guitar and volunteering with children. College plans include studying elementary education and playing rugby at either UMass-Amherst or UConn.
Hayden Kane, Natick
Kane placed fourth in Division 1 at 126 pounds. Taking up wrestling “was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” the freshman says. “This sport has brought me to a place where I can do what I love to do and use strength to my fullest ability.” She is also a competitive cheerleader and cheers for Natick High. Her future goals include wrestling in college. “I enjoy this sport so much that I really want to carry on with it after high school as well.”
Ruby Khazadian, Ashland
This freshman placed third in Division 3 at 235 pounds and in the top eight at All-States. Khazadian is also a field hockey goalie and catcher/first baseman for the Clocker junior varsity softball team. She is a member of Ashland Make-A-Wish and plays for the Stars 14U fastpitch team. Khazadian volunteers at Ashland youth softball clinics and fundraisers. Plans to study criminal justice and hopes to play softball in college.
Carly Larson, Ashland
In her first season, this freshman posted an 8-2 record and placed third in Division 3 at 138 pounds. Larson also plays field hockey for the Clockers and works at UpperKuts Boxing Club in Ashland. She enjoys hiking, swimming and kayaking. Larson wants to continue boxing and wrestling after high school and plans to study business or marketing in college.
Luca Marshall, Tri-County
In her first season as a wrestler, Marshall won the Division 2 126-pound title. The Mayflower League All-Star and freshman also finished third at the Senators All Girls Tournament. She also plays volleyball and participates in jiu-jitsu. Marshall enjoys reading and is part of Tri-County's plumbing program. "Luca is eager, attentive, and athletic," said coach Steve LaPlante. "Her rapid progress on the mat is a testament to her work ethic."
Angeles Munoz, Marlborough
Munoz placed second in Division 3 and fourth at All-States for the 185-pound weight class. This sophomore is ranked No. 1 in her class and is involved in performing arts at Marlborough High.
Angie Nommi, Ashland
In compiling a 6-2 postseason record, this freshman won the Division 3 state championship at 145 pounds and placed fifth at All-States as the Clockers won the team state title and placed second at All-States by two points. “Angie’s unwavering will and perseverance are what define her,” said coach Pete Zacchilli. “It was so fun to watch her compete on the mat.”
Nora Quitt, Ashland
The state’s most talented wrestler won 138-pound titles at States, All-States and New Englands, becoming the first grappler from Ashland to win the Triple Crown since 1985 and the first to win a NE crown. This senior pinned all of her opponents during the post-season. She was 11-0 against girls and 25-16 overall and was third at Nationals. She also participates in track and field and Student Advisory. Will attend UMass-Amherst. “Nora’s accomplishments go beyond her individual accolades,” said coach Pete Zacchilli. “She has built the foundation of girls wrestling in Ashland and even more importantly has been a pioneer for the sport in the state.”
Raina Quitt, Ashland
This freshman finished third in Division 3 and sixth at All-States at 152 pounds as the Clockers won the Division 3 team title and placed second at the inaugural All-States tournament. Also played field hockey as a midfielder. Quitt is a part of the Make-A-Wish club and her favorite subject is history. She aspires to play field hockey in college and possibly study dermatology.
Claire Roney, Wellesley
A New England qualifier, this freshman placed second in Division 1 and fourth at All-States for the 107-pound weight class. Roney is a member of the chorus and enjoys playing piano and painting. Aspires to wrestle in college.
Penelope Trostel, Framingham
This freshman placed third in Division 1 in the 100-pound weight class during her first season as a wrestler. Her brother, Jake, suggested she give wrestling a try. “I decided to go to one practice with him. I ended up really enjoying it,” she said. Trostel played on the freshman soccer team, scoring the team’s first goal of the season. Trostel joined Metrowest United Club wrestling and graduated from the Framingham Youth Police Academy last summer. She volunteers through her church and is in the process of becoming a certified lifeguard.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: 2023-24 All-Stars: 16 top girls high school wrestlers
