Devlin “Excited” About the Future of HC Girls’ Wrestling

Devlin “Excited” About the Future of HC Girls’ Wrestling –

(3-11-26) – The “small-but-mighty” Harlan Community girls’ wrestling program is hoping to grow for next season.

The Cyclone girls’ had just three wrestlers at the varsity level, but all three fought hard and gained valuable experience in various ways over the course of the season.

Elle Stephens dealt with an injury-marred sophomore campaign, but remains one of the elite girls’ wrestlers in the state of Iowa. While her 7th place finish at the 2A State Tournament in February was disappointing by her standards, Harlan Community Coach Tarah Devlin believes Stephens will continue to learn how to get back to top form.

“One of the biggest lessons is just being able to adapt and continue to come back and that was kind of, I think she was looking for a Cinderella story, and I think we all were kind of looking for a Cinderella story for being able to come back from an injury and continue to get to the finals, but that unfortunately didn't happen and after a major injury like that that takes you out for a long period of time, it's really hard to mentally get back into some of those big, high-end tournaments.”

Devlin has talked with all three of her wrestlers from last season, Stephens, Hallie Lopez, and Danica Schwery. She’s admired how they all have continued to work in the off-season to get better for next year.

“They're doing stuff offseason and postseason that they are going to continue to try and you know, get bigger, stronger, faster, continue to work on wrestling and that's all you can ask for is you know take some time off and get yourself physically and mentally you know in a good spot and then start working on just being better.”

With some young talent on horizon, Devlin is looking forward to the future of the Cyclone girls’ wrestling program.

“I can't wait to see this program continue to grow. I would love to be able to you know double or triple our numbers for next year on our high school team and just be able to continue to grow and get girls involved.”

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