Milan's Roell Makes History as Indiana's First 120 Lbs. State Champion

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 8:22 PM

By Travis Thayer @eagle993

Congrats Kayla!

Photo by Milan Athletics.

INDIANAPOLIS - There can only be one first.

KAYLA ROELL IS A GIRLS WRESTLING STATE CHAMPION! #weRmilan
— Milan Assistant AD (@MilanAsstAD) January 18, 2025

On Friday night, Milan junior Kayla Roell became the first high school girls wrestler to win the IHSAA Girls Wrestling State Championship in the 120 pound weight class.

Roell defeated fellow junior Aaliyah McLean (McCutcheon)

Roell, the 4th ranked wrestler in her weight class, defeated the #7, #3, and #5 ranked wrestlers to win the state championship. She won her opening contest by fall (1:10) defeating Violeta Gomez-Hilero of Jennings County. Roell then defeated #7 Amelia Mitchell of Munster in the second round, winning by fall (2:39). In the semifinals, Roell defeated #3 Zoe Pugh by fall (2:31).

She finishes the season with a record of 36-1.

It was a great showing overall for southeastern Indiana as East Central senior Leighna Prater placed third at 145 pounds. Switzerland County junior Klaire Redwine also competed at state, but unfortunately lost in the first round.