Hopewell Valley Central High School’s girls wrestling team is making history this season, marking major milestones for a program that has been steadily growing since its start in 2020. With strong performances at the Mercer County Tournament (MCT), the team has cemented itself as a rising force in the sport—one that is only gaining momentum as they prepare for the upcoming Central Region Tournament.
“Right now, girls wrestling is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and not just at the high school level—colleges are adding programs, too,” said Head Coach Mario Harpel, who has been coaching at Hopewell Valley for 20 years.
Headlining the season’s success is senior Misia Kubiak, who became Hopewell Valley’s first-ever CVC champion after taking first place at 138 lbs. at the MCT. She was joined on the podium by several teammates, showcasing the team’s depth and talent:
- 1st Place – Misia Kubiak (138 lbs.)
- 2nd Place – Emma Cook (114 lbs.)
- 4th Place – Theo Milchanoski (165 lbs.)
- 5th Place – Avery Bergman (120 lbs.)
- 5th Place – Cambria Reinhold (145 lbs.)
Kubiak and Cook, the team captains, have helped lead the squad through a standout season. They are joined by teammates Rachel Springer, Olivia Vera, Lila Petropoulos, and Natalie Maldonado, each contributing to the team’s growing success.
Building a Program, Overcoming Challenges
When the Hopewell Valley girls wrestling team launched four years ago, it faced the same challenge as many new programs: low numbers. The impact of COVID-19 further complicated early growth, but with consistent effort and increasing interest in the sport, the team has expanded to nine wrestlers.
One of the biggest shifts in girls wrestling has been the expansion of separate tournaments and competitions at the high school level. In the past, female wrestlers often had to compete against boys, limiting their opportunities. Now, with dedicated girls’ county, regional, and state tournaments, the sport is thriving.
“For girls who enjoy one-on-one competition, wrestling is an exciting opportunity,” said Harpel.
A lifelong wrestler and coach, Harpel believes the sport is an equalizer, where hard work and discipline lead to success, regardless of gender. “The girls train alongside the boys in practice, and that synergy pushes them to compete at a high level,” he said.
For Kubiak, that hard work paid off in a major way this season. Though her championship win was a historic achievement, she admits it wasn’t easy to appreciate in the moment.
“Now, it feels amazing, and I hope I was the first of many,” Kubiak said. “However, during the finals match, my mind was all over the place. I feel like this caused me to wrestle not as well as I should have, and right after the match, I was kind of mad at myself because I knew I could do so much better. Looking back, I should have enjoyed my win more than I did.”
Despite the self-criticism, Kubiak is proud of what she’s accomplished. “I am happy that I made my coaches and parents proud, and it feels like all the hardships of wrestling were worth it.”
A Journey of Growth
Like many wrestlers new to the sport, Kubiak’s first years were a whirlwind of learning.
“Honestly, I barely remember my first two years, simply because I had no idea what was happening half the time,” she said. “All I remember is the joy I felt after each practice and match, which helped me through the tougher times with the sport.”
Over time, she developed the endurance and mental strength that set her apart. “We practice so hard in the room, normal wrestling matches feel like nothing. I think this has helped me so much because I can go hard all six minutes and not lose within the last 15 seconds of a match,” she explained.
She credits her coaches for making a difference along the way. “All the coaches are amazing; they answer all of my questions, no matter how stupid they may be, and they always support the girls, which I also think helped me stay with the sport.”
Eyes on the Central Region Tournament
With their momentum building, the team now turns its focus to the NJ Girls Central Region Tournament on February 23 at East Brunswick Middle School. The stakes are high: a strong performance could send Hopewell Valley wrestlers to the state championship.
“My mindset going into the regional tournament is to just wrestle as best as I possibly can,” Kubiak said. “It’s my senior year, and I want to leave the mat—whether it be at regionals or states—feeling like I couldn’t have gone any harder. As long as I do that, I will feel accomplished.”
Last season, Kubiak and Maldonado finished just one win away from qualifying for states, placing fourth in the region. This year, with more experience and confidence, Kubiak is determined to leave it all on the mat.
Photos by Lors Photography
