"Pioneer" seniors lead the way for the lady whippets

The 2024-2025 season kicks off this week for the Lady Whippet wrestling team. The team will host Grand Island Senior High, the Duals champion and State Runner-Up, on Thursday night. On Friday, the 9th grade and JV teams will travel to Southwest High School, followed by the varsity team competing at the Kearney Invite on Saturday.

This season marks a special milestone for five Lady Whippets as it will be their final season after beginning their wrestling journey as freshmen during the 2021-2022 season. Myia Hofaker, Aliena Osterbuhr, Addison Brown, Isabel Serrano, and Cheyenne Vahl have been integral to the program's growth, playing key roles on every team over the past four years. Most of them came to wrestling with no family background in the sport but have since accumulated impressive records, state berths, and personal growth. Aliena, Myia, and Isabel rank 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in career wins in the program’s history. Addison is a two-time letterwinner, and Cheyenne came one win short of a state berth last season.

Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. Aliena started her career 0-6 in contested matches before becoming the program’s first state qualifier. "Wrestling has taught me to focus on the positives, build endurance, and work toward my goals. Never give up," Aliena reflects. Now a three-time state qualifier, she says her most memorable moment was being named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Amherst Invitational last season—an honor at the home tournament of a wrestler she admired during her freshman year. "These girls understand what it takes to wrestle and what it gives you in return. Watching my own personal growth astonishes me."

For Cheyenne, her first two seasons were spent on the junior varsity squad before breaking out in her junior year. "Wrestling has been one of the toughest challenges, but it has helped me grow into a stronger person. It has shown me that I can rise above challenges," Cheyenne says. A co-Most Improved Wrestler last season, Cheyenne also emphasizes the importance of kindness. "I hope I've inspired my teammates with positivity and reminded them that kindness still matters."

Addison has battled injuries throughout her career but has always been willing to step up and help the team in any way she can. "Wrestling has taught me many lessons in endurance and perseverance." This perseverance helped Addison become a district qualifier last year, and she hopes to build on that success this season.

Myia was voted the Most Improved wrestler her freshman and sophomore campaigns, capping off her sophomore year with a state qualification. After a difficult end to last season, Myia is focused on overcoming obstacles and finishing strong in her final year. Her experience at the highest levels will be crucial to helping her achieve her goals this season.

Isabel has been a varsity wrestler every season, coming close to a state berth each year. She hopes this is the year she finally breaks through, ranked in the preseason polls and sitting third all-time in career wins for the program. With the talent to beat anyone, this might be her year to take the next step and qualify for state.

As these five seniors, along with five more who joined along the way, prepare for their final season, they are focused not just on their individual growth but on leaving a lasting impact on the program. "I want future wrestlers to push each other and look out for each other," says Aliena. This sense of camaraderie is echoed by Addison and Cheyenne, who stress the importance of mutual support and motivation among teammates.

With one final season ahead of them, the Lady Whippets are ready to build on their growth, work ethic, and achievements. They hope to make this season unforgettable—not just for themselves but for the entire community. We invite you to join us this Thursday to cheer on the team and celebrate the incredible journey this program has taken. Your support will help make this season unforgettable for the team and the entire community.