The Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) Lions Wrestling Program has made history by welcoming its first female wrestlers to the team. This milestone not only signifies growth for the program but also represents a larger step toward inclusivity in high school sports. The team proudly features four young trailblazers: Amelia Semmes (12th Grade), Lois Kinyua (12th Grade), Linnea Sidell (12th Grade), and Olivia John (9th Grade). These athletes are setting the stage for a new era in LCA athletics.
Amelia Semmes: Making History on the Mat
Senior Amelia Semmes made an indelible mark on LCA’s wrestling history during her debut match. She shared her exhilarating experience, recounting the mix of nerves and triumph:
“My experience in my first match was definitely unique. The AC was packed and I was extremely nervous. Originally, I thought I would be wrestling in an exhibition match (which doesn’t count towards the team points), but it turned out to be a varsity match. We shook hands, and immediately she lunged at me; I had to play defense. After a few seconds, I now had control of the pace, and it became my match.”
Amelia described the pivotal moments where her training came to life, ultimately leading to her pinning her opponent and earning six points for her team. The emotional culmination of the match was unforgettable:
“Although I was out of breath and shaky, I was experiencing a feeling I had never felt before. It wasn’t like winning a lacrosse game or scoring a goal in field hockey. This was different. It’s a difficult sport and more work than I have ever had to do before, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything because of the supportive coaches, uplifting teammates, and the rewarding feeling of working hard and it paying off.”
Amelia’s groundbreaking victory is a testament to her perseverance and the supportive environment cultivated by LCA’s wrestling program.
Olivia John: Building the Future of Girls Wrestling
Freshman Olivia John brings a vision for the future of girls wrestling at LCA. With her passion and drive, she hopes to pave the way for future female wrestlers:
“I’d like to help grow the program by working to recruit more girls while improving as a wrestler myself. I’m also excited to see how the team develops over the next four years while I’m here.”
Olivia’s enthusiasm mirrors the determination of her teammates and coaches to establish a lasting legacy for girls wrestling at LCA.
Coach Getch and the Team’s Vision
The addition of female wrestlers to the program reflects the leadership and inclusivity championed by LCA’s coaching staff, led by Coach Getch. His dedication to fostering a welcoming and challenging environment for all athletes has been instrumental in making history for the program.
A Bright Future Ahead
The inclusion of Amelia, Lois, Linnea, and Olivia marks an exciting new chapter for the LCA Lions Wrestling Program. As these young women break barriers and inspire others, they exemplify the courage and resilience that define the sport. Their trailblazing efforts will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female athletes to step onto the mat and into the spotlight.
LCA is proud of these remarkable athletes and looks forward to watching the girls’ wrestling program grow and thrive in the coming years. This is just the beginning of a story that promises to be filled with achievement, camaraderie, and history-making moments.