One of Algona’s standout wrestlers is continuing her career at the next level, as Sophie Degner recently announced her commitment to join Waldorf University’s women’s wrestling program.
Degner set new milestones throughout her Algona career, becoming the first Algona girls wrestler to win a conference title, the first to place at state, and now the first to wrestle in college. Degner says wrestling opened up many new opportunities, and that competing in college is the next step in that process.
Degner wrapped up a strong high school career this year at state by placing 7th in the 155 pound bracket, Degner’s 3rd time placing at state in her career. Degner was initially unsure if she would continue her wrestling career in college, but when Waldorf coach Tyreece Gilder began recruiting her by attending practices and competitions, it pushed her towards continuing her career in college.
This comes at a time when the sport of girls wrestling is continuing to grow. This past year at the state tournament, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced that beginning with the 2022-23 season, girls wrestling will be sanctioned as a varsity sport, as the announcement was made prior to the championship round. Degner has seen the growth in the sport since she first began competing as a sophomore.
In addition to competing on the wrestling team, Degner will major in criminal justice and minor in biology at Waldorf.
