In a historic achievement at the Iowa Girls State Wrestling Tournament held at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Molly Allen, a senior from Riverside High School, secured her fourth consecutive state title, becoming only the second wrestler in Iowa girls’ wrestling history to do so.
This remarkable feat places her alongside Naomi Simon of Decorah, who accomplished the same milestone in 2024.
Dominance on the Mat
Allen’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. She won all her matches decisively, culminating in a 17-2 technical fall victory over Harlan Community freshman Ellexis Stephens in the finals.
Notably, none of her matches extended into the second period, with each concluding in 1 minute and 44 seconds or less.
A Stellar High School Career
Over her high school career, Allen maintained an unblemished record of 103-0 against female competitors. Additionally, during her freshman year, she competed against male wrestlers, achieving a commendable 29-7 record.
Early Beginnings and Transfer to Riverside
Allen’s wrestling journey began at a young age, practicing with her brothers, which instilled in her a foundation of toughness and resilience.
She started her high school wrestling career at Underwood High School, where she qualified for the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) boys’ state tournament, marking her as one of the last girls to do so before the sport was officially sanctioned for girls.
Following the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s (IGHSAU) sanctioning of girls’ wrestling, Allen transferred to Riverside High School to join a dedicated girls’ program.
Emotional Victory and Family Support
Known for her stoic demeanor during competitions, Allen displayed rare emotion after her final match. Upon securing her fourth state title, she was visibly moved, shedding tears of joy.
She immediately sought out her mother and brothers in the audience, sharing heartfelt embraces that underscored the significance of her accomplishment and the unwavering support of her family.
Back-to-Back Undefeated Champions
Allen’s achievement marks the first time in Iowa’s wrestling history that there have been undefeated state champions in consecutive years, with Naomi Simon achieving the feat in 2024. This consecutive accomplishment is unprecedented in both girls’ and boys’ wrestling in the state.
Season Statistics
In her senior year, Allen concluded with a flawless 31-0 record. All her victories were achieved through technical falls, pins, or forfeits, underscoring her dominance in the sport.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Allen expressed a desire to be remembered as a dedicated and hardworking athlete. “I really have put in a ton of time in the wrestling room, and it pays off. I hope people see that,” she stated.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers, highlighting the rewards of perseverance and dedication.
| Season | Record (Girls) | Record (Boys) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 9-0 | 29-7 | Qualified for IHSAA boys’ state tournament |
| Sophomore | 31-0 | N/A | Transferred to Riverside; won 2nd state title |
| Junior | 32-0 | N/A | Secured 3rd state championship |
| Senior | 31-0 | N/A | Clinched 4th state title; maintained undefeated record |
Molly Allen’s historic accomplishment not only cements her legacy in Iowa’s wrestling annals but also serves as a testament to the growth and recognition of girls’ wrestling in the state.
Her dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have set a high standard for future athletes, inspiring a new generation of wrestlers to pursue excellence on and off the mat.