EPHRATA – In the bustling atmosphere of the Washington State Wrestling Championship, Adylene Sanchez, a 155-pound junior from Ephrata, achieved what many thought was impossible: she ascended from three years of competition — without a placement — to becoming a state champion.  

“It was very emotional,” Sanchez said on her win. “I was already crying earlier that day because my friend got injured, so I was really on edge during the match.”  

The emotions she felt were palpable as she stepped onto the mat, facing Sadie Evans from North Mason in the championship round. Sanchez pinned Evans in 2:25.  

Tigers head girls wrestling coach Raul Tejeda praised Sanchez's determination and resilience.  

“We knew she had the talent, but it took hard work to get her there. She put in the effort, and it showed in the finals. It was great to see her pull off that upset and live up to her potential,” Tejeda said.  

After being a competitor at the state level for three years, Sanchez had yet to taste success, finishing without victories in her freshman year and winning just one bout in her sophomore year. 

Sanchez went into the championship weekend with a 41-9 record. Friday began with a quick bye round before Sanchez decimated her competition, winning her next three matches by fall, with times ranging from 1:03 to 3:37. Sanchez pinned Aaliya Booth of Columbia River, Adrianna Crowley of North Mason and Isabella Steineback of Black Hills.  

Tejeda attributed her fierce performance to a carefully curated training focus on her strengths.  

“Our strategy was to sharpen what she already had, rather than reinvent her technique. We knew she could do it if she maintained her focus,” he said.  

The coach highlighted her mental preparation, insisting that Sanchez had cultivated the right mindset essential for high-stakes competition. 

“I feel like I improved so much, not just physically but mentally,” she said, reflecting on her dedication in the offseason. “My goal at the beginning was just to place at state. The progress I've made from not winning any matches to now being the champion is surreal,” she said. 

Despite her triumph, Sanchez faced obstacles throughout the year, battling internal pressures and the fear of failure.  

“I would have never imagined I would win,” she said. “I had faced the girl I wrestled in the finals before, and honestly thought I might get lucky if I won by a point. But winning by pin? That still blows my mind!”. 

This year’s triumph holds additional significance as Sanchez becomes a leader not only in her weight division but also for the Ephrata girls' wrestling team as a whole.  

“Adylene is a big inspiration for the team,” noted Coach Tejeda. “She’s one of our captains and sets a standard for hard work and discipline.” 

As Sanchez looks to the future, she expressed an eagerness to defend her title next year, a feat that could position her as the first female wrestler in Ephrata history to achieve back-to-back state championships.  

“Now that I'm a state champion, I know everyone will be coming for me next year,” she said. “That just means I have to work harder.” 

In discussing her mental toughness, Sanchez emphasized its profound importance throughout her journey.  

“It’s all mental,” she said. “Whatever happens, happens; that’s how I approached my finals match. To have that mindset helped me stay focused.”  

Refusing to take the credit solely for her success, Sanchez acknowledged the invaluable support she received from her coaches and teammates.  

“I’d like to thank all my coaches, who pushed me. My friends, too, helped keep me grounded and motivated,” she said. 

The Ephrata Girls wrestling team placed seventh in the Girls 2A tournament with 119 points. Five girls from Ephrata were placed in the tournament. Sanchez took home first with 34 points. Caroline Monico, 235, placed fourth with 22 points. Jasmine Hernandez, 100, placed fourth and scored 18 points. Kallee Rayn Castillo, 145, placed sixth and scored 16 points. Alexandra Estranda Rangel, 130, placed sixth with 15 points.  

As Sanchez returns to Ephrata High School, she said she hopes her journey delivers a powerful message to all aspiring young women wrestlers: there are no limits to what can be achieved in the sport. 

“It's all mental and that it's never impossible. You always have a chance,” Sanchez said. “No one's unbeatable.” 

    Adylene Sanchez from Ephrata beat Sadie Evans from North Mason with a pin in 2:25. Sanchez won her first state championship title after not placing her previous two years at state.
  

    Junior Adylene Sanchez won her championship match. She said she was already emotional from one of her teammates being injured earlier in the day and so when she won, she said she needed a good cry.
  

    Adylene Sanchez receives her gold medal on the podium during the Matt Classic tournament in Tacoma Saturday. Sanchez won all four of her matches with a pin.