Metea Valley High School has made history as junior Ashley Basmajian became the first girls’ wrestler in DuPage Valley Conference history to qualify for the state tournament. Despite the challenges the girls’ wrestling team faces, Basmajian’s accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the program, as well as the school.
Wrestling head coach Kevin Garbis highlighted struggles that the girls’ team has faced throughout the season, pointing out the lack of official recognition as a separate program within the district.
“The district doesn’t necessarily see the girls as their own program yet, which is disappointing because they’re at a big disadvantage compared to other sports, especially boys’ wrestling,” Garbis said. “They don’t get their own practice time, they don’t have their own head coach, they don’t have their own budget. What they were able to accomplish this year, despite all these disadvantages, is amazing.”
Basmajian, who battled through a concussion in the preseason that sidelined her for three months, was relieved to have secured a spot at the state tournament.
“I’m just really relieved. It means a lot,” Basmajian said. “I’m really happy that I qualified.”
Basmajian’s journey to state was not without hard work. She credited morning and evening practices, as well as reviewing match footage, for helping her refine her technique and improve throughout the season.
Alongside Basmajian’s historic achievement, sophomores Janiya Moore and Rosie Picari were named state alternates. Moore set a new DVC record by winning 43 matches in a single season, outperforming both boys and girls across the conference.
“Honestly, I wanted more, but I am proud of myself and how far I’ve come over the last year and a half,” Moore said. “Making it to the blood round [where if you win, you go to state, and if you lose, you don’t] was a huge moment for me.”
Picari reflected on her progress since last season, emphasizing the importance of improvement over awards.
“Comparing my progress from last year is probably what made me happiest, not even just one tournament, just seeing how far I’ve come,” Picari said. “I’ve matured a bit, and it has taught me that I can handle a lot more than [I’ve imagined].”
The bond between the girls on the team has been a driving force in their success. Picari spoke about how they push each other to improve and hold each other accountable.
“We all push each other a lot,” Picari said. “We’ve been through a lot together since last year and over the summer.”
As the team looks ahead to next season, they highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and working harder.
“I have to stop thinking with a negative mindset. That’s what held me back a little this year,” Picari said.
Picari’s mindset fuels her determination to improve, something that Basmajian will embrace as she sets her sights on the state tournament.
“Next year, my goal is to win state, and [I will work] really hard for it,” Basmajian said.
Garbis hopes that the success of this season will encourage more girls to join the program and push the district to officially recognize girls’ wrestling as its own entity.
“I’m hoping that more girls will come out to wrestle, and I also hope the district will recognize the need to have it be [its] own program,” Garbis said.
As Basmajian prepares for the state tournament in two weeks, Garbis’ message to her and the team remains clear: “Keep a positive mindset. It doesn’t matter who you’re wrestling: anyone can beat anybody. Go out there, have fun, and compete.”
