Since the Minnesota State High School League officially sanctioned girls wrestling in the 2021-22 school year, the MAHACA girls wrestling program has steadily been growing. This year’s roster includes 10 wrestlers and has the first ever coach specifically dedicated to the girls wrestling team.
The sister of the head wrestling coach Hunter Burnett, Taya Burnett, has the honor of being the first MAHACA assistant coach specifically designated to the girls wrestling program. “I am very honored to be a part of this team. Everyone has been so welcoming and I have loved every moment of it so far,” Taya Burnett said.
Five of the girls on the roster have varsity experience under their belt with senior Jade Marty, junior Ashlin Gibson, freshman Rhylee Schmitz, and eighth-graders Laylona Yanez and Ava Gramith.
It is the first season of wrestling for seventh-graders Jordyn Hughes, Mandi Kleindl and Janaeya Hammer as well as the first year for eighth-grader Olivia Olson and freshman Aubrie Barry. Those inexperienced wrestlers were able to have their first competition on the mat in Dawson Dec. 1. “They got some wins and some losses, but they got those first match jitters out. They also gained a lot more confidence and had an absolute blast,” coach Taya Burnett said.
The girls also competed in the St. James Girls Tournament Dec. 6 and will next be in Barrett for the West Central Area Tournament Friday, Dec. 12.
2025 MAHACA Girls Wrestling Roster
- Athlete Grade
- Jade Marty 12
- Ashlin Gibson 11
- Rhylee Schmitz 9
- Aubrie Barry 9
- Laylona Yanez 8
- Ava Gramith 8
- Olivia Olson 8
- Jordyn Hughes 7
- Mandi Kleindl 7
- Janaeya Hammer 7
