Megan Ryan stepped into the wrestling room for the 2025-2026 season, expecting nothing more than a typical, routine year. But she had no idea that her first tournament of that season would ignite a fire within her and alter the course of her career forever.
“I’ve been doing this since second grade…so it’s just like continuing to get better and improving…I’ve been looking at those [state placers and qualifiers] banners for years thinking, How can I get up there, how high can I get, and being able to do it?” Ryan said.
Starting off the year with a loss to junior Gabi Lange of Concordia High School in the first tournament, Ryan later faced her again in the state championship match.
“I already knew, kind of then, that she was going to be my toughest opponent all year, and that I was going to face her again…Me and my dad would go back and watch the matches and reflect on them then try to change something” Ryan said.
That early realization stayed with Ryan. It influenced her training, her performance reviews, and her approach to each match throughout the season. After finishing 5th at the state level last year, she began this season with a different mindset focused on experience, preparation, and a clear understanding of areas needing improvement. This time, her goals extended well beyond merely achieving a specific placement.
“I was determined, I already surpassed what I did last year in so many ways so I was happy where I was at, but I was focused because I really wanted it” Ryan said.
That determination paid off in a moment she’ll never forget, a culmination of months of hard work, focus, and perseverance, when all her effort and dedication finally came together in an unforgettable celebration of success.
“I’ve watched the video several times. I’ve seen countless reactions from the coaches. So the coaches all blew up and started cheering or excited…And then I hugged the other coaches. Everyone’s really happy…I ran over to the sidelines and my teammates, we all just like, went out in a big hug, and they were crying, and I started crying. And it was fun” Ryan said.
The moment was more than just a win; it was the release of a season’s worth of pressure, preparation, and belief. Every film session with her dad, every adjustment, every close match had built toward that burst of emotion on the mat. For Ryan, it wasn’t just about the result, but everything it took to get there.
Still, she knows the journey doesn’t end with one milestone.
“I want to keep improving, keep improving. I would love to go back to the championship again. But if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, but I’m hoping it does.” Ryan said.
