G1A-16 Preview: South Dade looking to reach another new height, win first team state title
BY BRANT PARSONS — South Dade’s girls team has had both a team to mimic and a shadow to live under while sharing a wrestling room with a multi-time state champion.
While the boys team has continued to dominate Class 3A, the girls team has been building a program to match the boys and are hoping this year is the one they earn their first state title.
“This thing didn’t happen overnight,” South Dade girls wrestling coach Chino Duran said. “We’ve been putting in the work for years and we’re just happy to belong to a system that’s already been proven to work, so we were able to speed it up a little bit faster than others.”
“You just look at the blueprint and follow it, that’s it.”
The Buccaneers enter the season with what is likely the top lineup in state from 1-14, with a potential state qualifier at every weight class. If the girls can stay healthy and on target, they can maybe start to emerge from the shadow of the boys team and create their own South Dade legacy.
“It's just frustrating to be prepared to be compared to the boys program,” Duran said. “Every year while they're getting their rings and the girls are just watching them get their rings, it's really a challenge to keep their heads up and not let them quit because they're not meeting the expectations of the dynasty.”
That could all change this year with a deep team led by returning state champion Willow White.
The senior wrestler went 39-0 last season and earned her first state crown and leads the team on the mat and off of it.
“She's just a coach's dream as far as respect and how she trusts you to tell her to do stuff and follow the strategy,” Duran said. “She's a great kid to be around. She likes to be my assistant coach and she calls herself Coach Willow. She's following around and just watching and learning and then sometimes she'll make a better call than me and I trust her and I'll be like, ‘Okay, let's do it’ and we'll go with that”
Willow leads a charge of wrestlers that include Kenzie Barrett, Shamari Smith, Arianna Garcia, Lydia Gonzalez, and more.
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: South Dade won its fourth district title and then ran away with the region title before a disappointing 11th place finish in the state IBT.
How did Kabra do?: We picked the top two spots (which have been the same all four years) but we missed out on Doral jumping into the third spot.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch:
The favorite: South Dade. Five titles in five years for the Bucs who keep growing in numbers.
Team to watch:
South Dade Buccaneers
Coach: Chico Duran
Assistant coach: Alejandro Hernandez
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 3-2
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1
Last state champion: Willow White, 2025 (120)
South Dade has gone four-for-four in district titles since girls wrestling was sanctioned.
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Beyonce Espinosa, 35-3, 3rd, RC, DC; Geraldine Honore, 32-8, 6th, R3, DC; Rebekkah Kinkade, 21-12, RQ-BR, D2; Arawin Recio, 14-9.
Notable returning wrestlers: Willow White, Sr., 39-0, SC, RC, DC; Shamari Smith, Sr., 34-5, 3rd, RC, DC; Kenzie Barrett, So., 23-12, 3rd, R2, D3; Arianna Garcia, Sr., 30-7, SQ, RC, DC; Lydia Gonzalez, Jr., 20-15, SQ, R4, D2; Kimberly Picado, Jr., 21-14, RQ-BR, D4; Aanyalee Masso, So., 16-8, RQ-BR, D4; Amaris Echezerrata, Sr., 21-11, RQ, D3; Amirah Williams, So., 18-13, RQ, D5.
New wrestlers: Victoria Sifuentes, Fr., 25-13, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Florida Christian); Eowyn Reeves, Jr., 33-17, SQ, R4, D5 (Transfer from Doral Academy); Layla Rodriguez (Transfer from Miami Southridge)
What they are saying: “This team is fun to watch. Their strength is that they are not afraid to try new things, but are confident enough that if they do something wrong they can back to a good position and work their way back into the match. They are pushing each other and are super competitive.”
On Kenzie Barrett: “Kenzie Barrett has just been killing it and she gets better every single day. This girl is just doing things that you've never seen a heavyweight do. In one of the tournaments, she picked up another girl like nothing with full control in a folkstyle tournament, and then in another tournament, she does a gator roll. She's just getting better and better and better and when she commits, she commits. So, I'm excited for her.”
On comparisons to the boys team: “It's definitely always a plus to have the same kind of kids, from the same neighborhoods and stuff like that as the boys. And they're exactly the same. I mean, we're talking about we have doppelgangers for every kid when a boy and a girl will do the same move in the same weight class.”
Outlook: The FHSAA has had a different girls state team champion each year since the sport was sanctioned five years ago. South Dade is poised to compete to become the fifth different team champion this season. They key to this team will be learning from past state appearances and improving upon their performance there.
The Florida High School Wrestling Season District Previews
Click on link to see preview
Class 3A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 2A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 1A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Girls: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings
Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules
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North Miami Pioneers
Coach: John Severe
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:2; 2023:2; 2022:2
Last state champion: Mya Bethel, 2025 (155)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Mya Bethel, 20-0, SC, RC, DC; Isis Severe, 27-3, 2nd, RC, DC; Joveline Joseph, 27-12, SQ, R4, D2; Shenshaila Baron, 20-4, RQ, DC; Christelle Joseph, 13-8, RQ-BR, D4; Colmise JeanBaptiste, 18-12, RQ-BR, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Viktoriya Devochkina, Sr., 10-5, SQ, R2, D2; Suzie Polidor, So., 9-16, RQ, D4; Zitali Palafox, So., 2-13, RQ, D4; Karen Martinez, Jr., 13-9, D5.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook: Gone is the first four-time, undefeated state champion in Florida high school girls wrestling with Bethel graduating.
Florida Christian Patriots
Coach: Nick Alvarez
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:5; 2023:9; 2022:9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Rachel Silva, 29-2, 5th, RC, DC; Edana Ramirez, 5-9, D5; Sofia Rodriguez, 16-13, D6; Victoria Sifuentes, Fr., 25-13, RQ, D3 (Transfer to South Dade)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Zoe Delgado, Fr., 30-6, 2nd, R2, D2; Melissa Gallo, 7th, 22-5, 3rd, R2, DC.
New wrestlers: Eowyn Reeves, Jr., 33-17, SQ, R4, D5 (Transfer from Doral Academy)
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Doral Academy Firebirds
Coach: Willy de Armas (8th season)
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:4; 2023:7; 2022:10
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tessa Diaz, 37-9, 7th, R2, DC; Naomi Arias, 23-18, RQ-BR, D2; Eowyn Reeves, Jr., 33-17, SQ, R4, D5 (Transfer to South Dade).
Notable returning wrestlers: Rebecca Marin, Jr., 38-10, SQ, R3, DC; Isabella Tellez, Sr., 24-13, RQ, D2; Keyla Lobelo, Sr., 17-19, RQ, D4; Natalie Sastre, Fr., 10-21, RQ, D6.
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Mater Academy Lions
Coach: Eduardo Lamazares
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:13; 2024:6; 2023:3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Camilla Delgado, 25-11, SQ, R2, D3; Samantha Ferrer, 31-12, SQ, R4, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers: Melanie Loynaz, So., 32-10, RQ, D4 (Transfer from Southwest Miami)
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Miami Coral Park Rams
Coach: Angel Vazquez
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:15; 2024:8; 2023:6
Last state champion: Sofia Delgado, 2024 (140)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Carmen Dragustiovis, 18-6, RQ-BR, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Aaliyah White, Jr., 13-14, RQ, D4; Christina Chery, So., 1-12, D5; Jakaylla Occenat, So., 9-8; Hanah Cromier, Jr., D6.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Ferguson Falcons
Coach: Luis Cabal (6th season)
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:12; 2024:12; 2023:4; 2022:13
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Emily Pomar, 12-3, RQ-BR, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Asiah Williams, Jr., 9-10, RQ, D4; Naryia Collins, Sr., 2-7, D5; Sarah Solomon, Jr., 9-12, D6.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Key West Conchs
Coach: Chaz Jimenez (17th season)
Assistant coaches: Saint Pierre Anilus, Angelo Guieb
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:7; 2023:5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Sunisa Kuhn, 14-13, RQ, D5; Isabella Cosme, 4-14, RQ, D6; Sheyla Figueira, 24-7, RQ-BR, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Maria Halushka, So., 30-9, SQ, R3, D3; Yarnesie Corrales, Sr., 9-10, D6; Emily Nolasco, Jr., 6-17; Wenxin Yu.
New wrestlers: Maple Brady (Transfer from Mariner)
What they are saying: “The girls have have been very dedicated this offseason. We have some tough girls that can make some noise this year.”
Outlook: The girls are in a tough district and region and want to climb it as a team and put some girls on the podium at the end.
Coral Gables Cavaliers
Coach: Thomas Hardy (9th season)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:11; 2024:10; 2023:13; 2022:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kamora Willis, 33-8, 8th, R3, D3; Genevis Hudson, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Isabella Alfonso, Jr., 13-9, D6.
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Southwest Miami Eagles
Coach: David Viveros (4th season)
Assistant coaches: Tony Morales, Lorenzo Walker, Marco Miranda
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 2-0
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Hailey Hernandez, 29-17, SQ, R4, D3; Melanie Loynaz, So., 32-10, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Mater Academy).
Notable returning wrestlers: Camila Halaby-Bravo, Jr., 28-8, 6th, RC, DC; Scarlett Sans, Sr., 19-10, RQ-BR, D3; Nai Sanchez, Sr., 29-12, RQ, D4; Lia Colome, Sr., 10-19, D5; Camila Rafael, Sr., 12-20, D6; Leanna Curry; Andrea Leano.
What they are saying: “We have a good mix of experienced and developing wrestlers that will challenge teams during IBT's and duals. This year’s sophomores are now ready to contribute with a year of learning in their pockets. We have also been successful in recruiting a large amount of freshmen during this preseason. We take pride in knowing that we are building from within and teammates are also classmates.”
On team goals: “We are looking to secure a team 1st place in a tournament for the first time as well as repeat several IBT champions. We want to improve on our strengths and refine our core skills. We want our opponents to know that they can expect a great match from our girls every time.”
Fast fact: Senior Camila Rafael is looking to make an impact this season while also chasing Valedictorian honors at Southwest.
Outlook:
Homestead Broncos
Coach: Fernando Melo (2nd season)
Assistant coaches: Frank Melo, Joshua Swan, James Williams
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:9; 2024:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ariel Alexander, 24-12, SQ, R4, D2; Immawnie Walden, 21-9, D5; Kaliyxia Grunert, So., 8-7, RQ, D4 (Moved to Kentucky).
Notable returning wrestlers: None
What they are saying: “The girls team is still in the process of growing. Ariel Alexander was our first girls state qualifiers in school history and Ariel and Immawnie Walden are both in Andrew College wrestling in college so we’re just trying to build our girls program using them as examples.”
Outlook:
Miami Beach Hi-Tides
Coach: Fred Robby (17th season)
Assistant coaches: Anthony Nunez, Hector Jimenez
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:14; 2024:13; 2023:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Valentina Mora, Sr., 14-6, RQ, D2; Cameron Echeverria, Sr., 20-9, D5.
What they are saying: "Valentina is a state placer and two-time state qualifier. Cameron never made it to state. She battled injuries the last few years, every year. She was able to have a complete off season this year finally. I'm looking forward to them. They both went undefeated at Disney, became all-Americans, got undefeated rings and they were the two best kids on their team that they competed with. I'm super excited for them to see what they're going to do, how they're going to step up for their senior seasons and I'm excited for them."
Outlook: Mora failed to reach Kissimmee last season for the first time in her high school career and will be looking to end up her senior year on the podium with Echevarria joining her at the tournament.
Coral Reef Barracudas
Coach: Miguel Dominguez (14th at school/26th total)
Assistant coaches: Kevin Whelan, Amanda Gates
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:16; 2024:15; 2023:10; 2022:13
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Chameli Jacques, Jr., 9-11, RQ, D3; Isabella Offenburger, So., 12-5.
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Braddock Bulldogs
Coach: Sergio Hernandez
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:19 ;2024:18; 2023:11; 2022:12
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Savanah Gonzalez, 10-7, RQ, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Miami Palmetto Panthers
Coach: Anthony Fadelle (9th year, 23rd overall)
Assistant coach: Michael Graham
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:14; 2023:11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Francesca Lara, 19-5, 6th, R2, D2; Daniela Canals, 29-17, RQ, D2; JaNiyah Moreland, 12-15, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Eysis Estes-Brinson, Sr., 21-7, 5th, R2, D2; Carmen Moya, Jr., 19-6, RQ-BR, D3.
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Miami Southridge Spartans
Coach: Albert Pardo (3rd at school, 28th overall)
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:8
Last state champion: Abigail Gonzalez, 2025 (110)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Abigail Gonzalez, So., 35-1, SC, RC, DC; A'Niyah Leon-Goodrich, Jr., 10-12, 5th, R4, D5.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
SLAM Academy Titans
Coach: Joseph Plair
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:10; 2024:11; 2023:15; 2022:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alexa Paz, 29-6, 7th, R2, D2; Sophia Gonzalez, 15-17, D5.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Saryiah Ford, Jr., 19-14, RQ, D5.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Miami High Stingarees
Coach: Lalo Baborich (15th season)
Assistant coaches: Enoc Aguado, Jhonny Morales, Johanel Reyes
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Danelly Rodriguez, 6-8, D6; Yadira Andrade, 2-8, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Rosemarie Fuentes; Elida Gutierrez, Sr., 6-10, RQ, D6.
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Miami Central
Coach: Javon Drayton (14th season)
Assistant coaches: Amir Nolasco, Patrick Pierre
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:18
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers:
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Miami Sunset
Coach:
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:20
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Jaidyn Diaz, So., 8-7, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook: