The Triumph of Talent: Recap of the 6th Annual Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament, Wonder Women VI

Photo by Lamont Photography: Wonder Women VI, Team Champions, Broken Arrow High School (Okla.) & runner-up Bixby High School (Okla.)
Columbia, Mo. – January 2025 – In a dazzling showcase of skill, determination, and sheer talent, the 6th Annual Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament proved to be a resounding success, drawing in over 2000 spectators eager to witness the prowess of some of the nation’s most formidable high school female wrestlers. The tournament, now in its seventh year, has evolved into a beacon of excellence, featuring nationally ranked competitors and power-packed nationally ranked teams vying for the coveted Wonder Women championship belts and team trophies.
The Wonder Women Tournament has become synonymous with showcasing rising stars in the world of high school female wrestling, and this year was no exception. With 28 nationally ranked competitors, the tournament demonstrated exponential growth in both participants and talent, solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the wrestling community.
This year, the Wonder Women Tournament reached new heights, hosting 83 teams from nine states across the nation. The diversity and talent on display were undeniable as competitors from Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Nebraska battled through intense brackets. Each state brought its best, with wrestlers making their mark in the finals, solidifying the tournament’s status as a premier national stage for high school female wrestling excellence.
For the first time in Wonder Women history, an out-of-state team claimed the Championship title. Broken Arrow High School from Oklahoma, ranked #5 in the nation by FloWrestling, triumphed over the higher-ranked Bixby High School, also from Oklahoma, which holds the #2 spot. Francis Howell Central High School from Missouri earned an honorable mention in the national ranking and secured third place. Nixa High School (Mo.), ranked #5 nationally and the 2023 Wonder Women champion, took fourth place, followed by Belton (Mo.) (honorable mention), in fifth. A three-way tie for sixth place included Kearney (Mo.) (honorable mention), Menasha (Wis.), and Liberty (Mo.).
These results highlight the tournament’s competitive spirit and its mission to showcase unexpected triumphs while celebrating the exceptional talent of young female wrestlers.
As the curtains fall on the 6th Annual Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament, it leaves behind a legacy of growth, talent, and memorable moments. The competition showcased the strength, skill, and resilience of high school female wrestlers from across the nation, reaffirming the Wonder Women Tournament as a platform that continues to elevate the sport to new heights. Cheers to the champions, the rising stars, and the spirit of Wonder Women wrestling, both on and off the mat!
WW VI Tournament Results: https://wonderwomenwrestling.org/results
From the mat to scholarships, how a high school tournament founder transformed a vision into empowering futures
Greetings,
I am Mike Wakim Jr., the proud founder of The Wonder Women Girl’s Wrestling Tournament, established in 2018 during the inaugural season of sanctioned girls’ wrestling by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. As the founder, my vision was clear from the outset: to create the largest and most formidable girls’ high school wrestling tournament in the nation.
Since our inception, The Wonder Women Tournament has evolved into a powerhouse event, reflecting the growth and passion for girls’ wrestling. From our humble beginnings with 30 schools and 189 wrestlers in 2019, we have flourished into a tournament of immense magnitude, hosting 83 schools from nine states, featuring 28 nationally-ranked wrestlers, and showcasing seven nationally-ranked teams, including three in the Top 15.
In the winter of 2023, we took a transformative step forward by transitioning into a non-profit entity known as The Wonder Women of Wrestling Foundation. This transition marked a commitment to not only provide a platform for these extraordinary young women to showcase their skills but also to extend support beyond the wrestling mat.
In the fall of 2024, we proudly partnered with e.l.f. Cosmetics as our presenting sponsor, marking a pivotal moment for the Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament. This collaboration elevated the tournament to new heights, both on and off the mat. With e.l.f.’s dedication to empowering female athletes and their support of our vision, we are now able to provide these talented young women with a larger platform and greater opportunities for future success.
A cornerstone of our foundation is the essay contest, which provides senior wrestlers competing in the Wonder Women Tournament the opportunity to earn scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. In the spring of 2023, we proudly awarded our first three $1,000 scholarships to three exceptional young women, recognizing their dedication, resilience, and academic achievements. By 2024, we expanded to award four $1,000 scholarships. This year, thanks to the generous support from our new partnership with e.l.f. Cosmetics we are thrilled to offer a total of $13,000 in scholarships, including a grand prize of $4,000 and nine additional $1,000 awards.
Together, we forge ahead, championing the spirit of Wonder Woman wrestling and fostering an environment where excellence is not only recognized but also nurtured. Join us as we continue to provide extraordinary opportunities for these young athletes, shaping a future where the strength, skill, and tenacity of Wonder Women wrestlers shine brightly for all to see.
Sincerely,
Mike Wakim, Jr.
Founder, The Wonder Women of Wrestling Foundation
MISSION
Our mission is clear and resolute. We are dedicated to maintaining The Wonder Women Tournament as an unparalleled stage for these young women to compete against the best in the nation. Simultaneously, we aim to grow our scholarship program, ensuring that the legacy of The Wonder Women of Wrestling Foundation extends far beyond the tournament, empowering the next generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams both on and off the mat.
MEET THE WONDER WOMEN TEAM
As the President of our foundation, I am honored to introduce the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of our team. Lee Furnace Jr., our Vice President, spearheads our scholarship opportunities and brings a wealth of experience to our cause. Our journey extends back to coaching together and competing against each other in high school, and Lee’s extensive background in wrestling and nonprofit management makes him an invaluable asset.
Taking charge as our Logistics Director is Chris Kyle. Chris joined us in 2022 after a successful coaching career. His contagious enthusiasm for the tournament and unwavering love for the sport aligns seamlessly with our mission. Chris is a vital member of our team, contributing his passion and expertise to help us fulfill our goals.
Serving as the Team Management Director is Jake Lapinski, a trusted ally with whom I’ve shared coaching experiences for years. Jake’s commitment to our cause, coupled with his ability to contribute business acumen, makes him an instrumental force in building our brand and advancing our mission.
When assembling our team, I sought individuals who share a profound passion not only for organizing exceptional events but also for fostering the growth of women’s wrestling. Each member brings unique skills, dedication, and a shared vision for the sport’s future. Together, we are united in our commitment to putting on outstanding tournaments and propelling the sport of women’s wrestling to new heights.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Total Program Donations: $16,600
- $8,000 to Battle High School
- $2,100 to Hickman High School
- $2,500 to Holt High School
- $1,000 to Lift For Life Academy
Additionally, we are proud to share that, with this year’s awards, we will have granted a total of $20,000 in scholarships. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting these schools and fostering the growth and development of young athletes in our community.