NHSCA High School Nationals March 28-30 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. North Carolina’s top wrestlers are preparing for one of the biggest stages in high school wrestling. This prestigious national tournament offers wrestlers the opportunity to earn All-American status and compete in front of NCAA coaches from all divisions.
One unique aspect of NHSCA is its grade-aligned structure, where freshmen compete against freshmen, sophomores against sophomores, and so on presenting an opportunity for an athlete to showcase how he or she stacks up against their age group and ultimately their future recruiting class. With a strong group of returning placers and rising young talent, North Carolina aims for another standout performance on the national stage.
Why High School Nationals Matter for North Carolina Wrestling
- Elite National Competition – NHSCA brings together many of the best-ranked wrestlers in the country, giving North Carolina athletes a chance to test themselves against top-tier talent and build their reputation.
- Recruiting Exposure – NCAA coaches from all divisions scout NHSCA, making it a critical opportunity for wrestlers looking to compete at the next level. A strong showing here often leads to college offers and recruitment interest.
- All-American Recognition – Placing at NHSCA earns wrestlers’ All-American status, which helps with recruiting, seeding for national tournaments, and personal branding.
- The Best Path to a National Ranking – The best way to earn a national ranking is by defeating ranked opponents. NHSCA Nationals features many nationally ranked wrestlers, providing an opportunity for wrestlers to climb the rankings.
- Development & Toughness – NHSCA isn’t just about wins; it’s about growth. Competing in back-to-back high-level matches sharpens mental and physical toughness, preparing athletes for events like Super 32, Fargo, college opens, and future high-level competition.
North Carolina’s Performance at NHSCA Nationals (Last 3 Years)
North Carolina has steadily increased its presence at NHSCA Nationals, and this year’s team looks to build on that momentum.
| 2024 | Total Participants: 295 | Total All-Americans: 17 |
| Freshman | 51 | 4 |
| Sophomore | 74 | 3 |
| Junior | 85 | 5 |
| Senior | 48 | 3 |
| Girls | 19 | 3 |
| 2023 | Total Participants: 337 | Total All-Americans: 24 |
| Freshman | 56 | 5 |
| Sophomore | 82 | 1 |
| Junior | 89 | 3 |
| Senior | 59 | 10 |
| Girls | 27 | 5 |
| 2022 | Total Participants: 251 | Total All-Americans: 18 |
| Freshman | 40 | 1 |
| Sophomore | 49 | 2 |
| Junior | 83 | 5 |
| Senior | 42 | 7 |
| Girls | 19 | 3 |
- Seniors have been the most consistent placers over the last three years, followed by juniors.
- Freshman placement is improving, showing NC’s younger wrestlers are becoming more competitive nationally.
- Girls’ wrestling is gaining momentum, with three placers in each of the last two years.
Returning North Carolina NHSCA Placers: Several North Carolina wrestlers made the podium at NHSCA Nationals last year and are returning this year, aiming to improve on their placements.
North Carolina Wrestlers to Watch
These wrestlers were identified as top podium contenders based on:
- National ranking
- College open performance
- National tournament placement & performance (Super 32, Fargo, UCD, Journeymen, NHSCA Duals, etc.)
- In-state performance (State titles, dominant records, in-state rankings)
Seniors
Liam Hickey, Colt Campbell, Brock Sullivan, Cooper Foster, Xavier Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, Kyster Kostoff, Jackson Rowling, Boedi Kirkland, Kayne Bryson, Kenneth Pritz, Trevquan Gary, Nathan McCartney, Everest Ouellette
Juniors
Bentley Sly, Lorenzo Alston, Eli Horton, Cael Dunn, Gabe Rogers, Trevelian Hall, Austin Green, Andrew Meadows, Dominic Blue, Will Varner, Landon Pope
Sophomores
Jack Harty, Tye Johnson, Mac Johnson, Carson Worrick, Aiden White, Holt Quincy, Tobin McNair, Ayden Sumners, Tyton Kostoff, Jacob McCord
Freshmen
Aaron Ellison, Connor Reece, Jackson D’ettore, Jake Amiott, Jacob Perry, Luke Richards, Ammon Scott, Drew Teeter, Ryan Thompson, Hayden Smith
Girls Division (North Carolina’s Fastest Growing Group)
Sumaiya Aamound, Anna Ockerman, Brianna DeLeon, Faith Bane, Khiry Reese, Addison Gore, Anabel Rodriguez, Isabella Hernandez, Iyanna Crawford, Kennedie Snow, Leah Edwards, Skyla Simpson, Zainab Hijawa, Stephanie Diaz Mendoza, Kaylah Evans, Sophia Ozanich, Rylynn Keziah, Zaria Robinson, Addison Vindigni
North Carolina’s Rising Success at NHSCA Nationals
With a formidable mix of returning All-Americans, state champions, and rising talent, North Carolina is primed for a standout performance at NHSCA Nationals. This event is more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity for NC wrestlers to showcase their skills, gain national recognition, and take their wrestling careers to the next level.
Best of luck to all North Carolina wrestlers competing in Virginia Beach—go make your mark and bring home some hardware!
36th Annual High School Nationals
NCHSAA High School Nationals is the premier wrestling tournament in the country with wrestlers from across the country competing to become an All-American.
