First Girl State Champion for Green River High School

Green River High School Senior Lily Harris made history last week as the first female wrestler in program history to have an undefeated season, which included a State Championship title.

Harris finished the season 23-0. She had a pin or tech-fell in every match except at the Tournament of Champions in the semi-finals, where she went all three periods winning with a major decision.

Harris, who has only wrestled for three years, said her passion for the sport began when she would watch her older brothers wrestle.

"All my brothers are wrestlers, and I wanted to make them proud," she explained.

The Harris family has said that Lily is "the last in line and destined to shine," as she is number 12 of 12 total children in her family.

In addition to winning a State Championship title, Harris commented that another notable moment for her was winning the Ron Thon Tournament in Riverton.

Harris credits her personal work ethic and grit when it comes to being successful on and off the mat, as she's involved in a wide variety of activities including National Honor Society, National Congressional Award, founding various nonprofit initiatives, and becoming an

entrepreneur.

Harris wasn't always sure how this season would go as she suffered a small injury early in the season.

"I injured my knee a week into the season," she said. "I missed tournaments and fell behind the rest of the state."

To get back on track, Harris adopted a rigorous practice and training regimen.

"In addition to regular practice, I added running and additional practices," she explained. "A college athlete came in to wrestle with me as a partner. She was a great help."

Harris praised wrestling as a sport that helps athletes become the people they were meant to be.

"Wrestling has shaped me into a better person," she said. "It has taught me resilience and how to find my own path even if it is not traditional. Wrestling has also taught me that progress does not come from being perfect, it comes from continuously trying. I have learned that you have to believe in yourself."

Harris is grateful for all the coaching and support over the years, adding: "I would like to thank my coaches, Eric Harris and Clayton Wright; my family, who have always supported me; and my amazing teammates and wrestling partners. Thank you, too, to our community of Green River. I have felt such an outpouring of support."

Coach Clayton Wright commented about what an extraordinary wrestler Lily is and how incredible it was to coach her.

"Coaching Lily to an undefeated season is a special experience that involved focusing on strategy, skill, and helping this special athlete handle adversity," Wright said. "To be around an athlete like Lily Harris is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She has faced every challenge head-on and had a very rewarding high school finish by finishing on top as well as experiencing the undefeated season."

Wright also explained what Lily's undefeated season means for the relatively new girls wrestling program.

"Coaching a state champion wrestler signifies a significant accomplishment for our wrestling program, and has demonstrated a high level of coaching ability by our staff," he said. "Athlete development and overall program strength attracts more Green River Girl wrestlers. Lily will be remembered as the first Green River High School State Champion, and she was very thankful for those who were around her to make her the best."

Head Wrestling Coach Josh Wisniewski also had high praise for Harris.

"Lily truly put together a fantastic season, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination," he said. "Despite facing an early knee injury, she committed herself to gritty practices that ultimately prepared her to compete at her best. Once she overcame that hurdle, Lily showcased her hard work and skills remarkably. Her dedication paid off, culminating in an outstanding feat: an undefeated season and being crowned the First Lady Wolves Regional and State Champion."

Coach Wisniewski said that Lily had good momentum going into this season using her unique skill set to advance.

"Lily has successfully built upon the skills she developed over the last two seasons, leading to significant improvement in her performance during her senior season," he explained. "Lily's growth can be attributed not only to her dedication, being coachable and hard work but also to the supportive environment she has at home. Coming from a wrestling family, with older brothers who have been instrumental in honing her skills, and beating up on her from time to time."

Coach Wisniewski also commented about Lily's overall contribution to the team culture and how she has contributed to the advancement of girls wrestling.

"Lily has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that inspire her teammates," he said. "On the mat, she leads by example, showcasing her dedication and hard work during practices and competitions. Her positive attitude and encouraging nature foster a supportive environment, making her an invaluable asset to the team. Off the mat, Lily serves as a wonderful ambassador for young girls interested in wrestling. She actively engages with her peers, sharing her experiences and encouraging them to pursue their passions. Her ability to connect with others and promote inclusivity makes her a role model for aspiring wrestlers."

Harris will attended Nationals in Virginia Beach, Virginia from March 28 through 30 to showcase her wrestling skills at the national level.