MKHS ‘s Allie Phillips makes AUSD History as First Female Wrestler to qualify for State

Mark Keppel High’s scholar-athlete, Allie Phillips, a junior, is the first-ever female wrestler in district history to qualify for State competition. To continue her training, off season, Allie also recently competed with Legacy Wrestling in the USA Wrestling national tournament. She won, earning her the national ranking as All American.

As a freshman, Allie joined wrestling to stay conditioned for softball and volleyball. “At first I cried in frustration every day after wrestling workouts,” Allie said. “The learning curve was high, and the training was intense.” Her persistence and hard work started paying off in competitions. “Wrestling is my first individual sport

-- which means my performance is completely based on my personal dedication and effort,” Allie said.

National wrestling champion, Samantha Lopez, and Allie’s coach at Legacy Wrestling, said, “Allie has a big heart and is a very fast learner who is determined to excel in wrestling. She has all the qualities of a national wrestling champion.” Allie’s goal is to win a college wrestling scholarship next year.

Many people have helped Allie through her wrestling journey, including her MKHS teammates and her coaches Ryan Orozco, Larry Landless, and her brother and mentor Thomas Phillips.