Kyle Mauch (Journalist)
Avari Yane (Editor)
February, 2025
Walla Walla High School’s Kylie Whittaker has made history in the world of high school wrestling. The 135-pound athlete recently claimed the 3A state title, becoming the first female wrestler in Walla Walla High School’s history to secure a state championship. Her inspiring journey to the top is a testament to hard work, determination, and resilience.
Thinking what to ask, I opened my phone and sent a few questions via text message: “What inspired you to start wrestling and how did you get involved with the sport?”
Kylie’s journey into wrestling started long before she ever stepped onto a mat. “I grew up doing jiu-jitsu and MMA,” she shared. “My dad randomly decided to take my siblings and me to a club practice one day.” From that moment, Kylie found herself drawn to the sport and committed to learning everything she could. Wrestling, however, became her passion as she worked hard to refine her skills and chase her dreams.
“What’s the most difficult part of your training leading up to the state championship and how did you overcome it?”
Every athlete faces challenges in their training, and for Kylie, the mental aspect proved to be one of her toughest hurdles. “I overthought my matches a lot,” Kylie admitted. “So I’m just learning to relax and wrestle.” Trusting her training and putting in the hard work was key, but Kylie also relied on her coaches for support during difficult times. “My coaches helped me through a lot of that. A big part of it was trusting in my training and hard work and leaving the results to God.”
“What does being the first girl wrestler in WA-HI history to win a state championship mean to you personally?”
Winning the state title has been a lifelong dream for Kylie and it carries even more significance as the first female wrestler in her school’s history to achieve this feat. “Ever since I can remember wrestling, I’ve wanted to be a state champ,” she reflected. “Finally, making my childhood dream come true means so much.” But for Kylie, it’s not just about her own success. “As well as being able to show the little girls wrestling in the Walla Walla Wrestling Club that it’s possible,” she added. She hopes her achievement will inspire future generations of female wrestlers to follow in her footsteps.
“Looking ahead, what are your goals in wrestling—are you considering continuing this sport at the collegiate level?”
Kylie’s ambition doesn’t stop with high school. She has her sights set on even bigger achievements in the wrestling world. “I’m looking to win another state title next year and, hopefully, place at nationals,” she said. “I also hope to continue wrestling in college if that works out.” Kylie’s goal-oriented mindset and determination reflect her commitment to pursuing excellence in wrestling, no matter where it takes her.
“What has this journey taught you about perseverance and resilience?”
Throughout her journey, Kylie has learned valuable lessons about perseverance and resilience, which have shaped her into the champion she is today. “That you have to keep showing up, especially when you don’t feel like it,” she explained. “You can’t let losses or hard practices weigh you down.” This mindset has been essential in her success, allowing her to face challenges head-on and come out stronger on the other side.
As Kylie Whittaker continues to break barriers and reach new heights in wrestling, she remains an inspiration to those around her, especially the young girls who dream of following in her footsteps. Her dedication, passion, and perseverance make her not only a champion but a role model for the next generation of wrestlers.
