Ever since senior Kyla Johnson was a young girl, she would often find herself on the wrestling mat during her free time.
Growing up, Johnson practiced with her brother whenever she had the chance. Over the years, she has shaped herself into the wrestler she is today.
Now going into her seventh year of wrestling, she looks back on all of the old memories she shares with her brother.
“I started when my brother was younger. We were practice partners all the time,” Johnson said. “That’s when I fell in love with wrestling.”
Johnson is now ranked number one in the state for the 125 pound weight class.
During the 2023-24 season, Johnson was injured mid-match, which resulted in a torn ACL. Due to the severity of her injury, that would be her last match of the season.
While it was disappointing, she is not letting that stop her from making a comeback, as she is excited for the upcoming season and what it may bring.
“It feels really good. But right now, I’m still trying to come back from last year after I tore my ACL,” Johnson said.
Not only does Johnson have an efficient work ethic, but many of her teammates look up to her.
She works hard every day to improve, and many of her teammates aspire to follow in her footsteps.
“I would say she definitely has leadership qualities. She works pretty hard,” head coach Albert Skinner said.
As for this season, Johnson has big plans.

Last season, the girls wrestling team won a State Runner-Up title. This season, she is willing to do whatever it takes to help her team bring a championship home.
Johnson says she is ready for the new season to start.
“I’m excited to get back to wrestling. It’s been a long time since my last match,” Johnson said.
Johnson is thankful for her coaches and how they have helped her throughout her time on the team.
“Skinner has been here for me through ups and downs, I couldn’t thank him enough, so I hope to help him win his team a state title this year,” Johnson said.