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): Isis Severe, 27-3, 2nd, RC, DC; Mya Bethel, 20-0, SC, 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:
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).
Potential 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.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
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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:
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Key West Conchs
Coach: Chaz Jimenez (17th season)
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
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.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Maria Halushka, So., 30-9, SQ, R3, D3; Sheyla Figueira, Sr., 24-7, RQ-BR, D2; Yarnesie Corrales, Sr., 9-10, D6; Emily Nolasco, Jr., 6-17.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
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Coral Gables Cavaliers
Coach: Thomas Hardy (9th season)
Assistant coach:
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.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Isabella Alfonso, Jr., 13-9, D6.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
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Southwest Miami Eagles
Coach: David Viveros (4th season)
Assistant coaches: Tony Morales, Marco Miranda
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
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).
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Camila Halaby-Bravo, Jr., 28-8, 7th, RC, DC; Scarlett Sans, Sr., 19-10, RQ-BR, D3Nai Sanchez, Sr., 29-12, RQ, D4; Lia Colome, Sr., 10-19, D5; Camila Rafael, Sr., 12-20, D6.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Homestead Broncos
Coach: Frank Melo (2nd season)
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:9; 2024:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ariel Alexander, 24-12, SQ, R4, D2; Immawnie Walden, 21-9, D5.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Kaliyxia Grunert, So., 8-7, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Miami Beach Hi-Tides
Coach: Fred Robby (17th season)
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:14; 2024:13; 2023:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Paola Perez, 8th.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
Outlook:
Coral Reef Barracudas
Coach: Miguel Dominguez (13th at school/26th overall)
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:16; 2024:15; 2023:10; 2022:13
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Chameli Jacques, Jr., 9-11, RQ, D3; Isabella Offenburger, So., 12-5.
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What they are saying:
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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:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
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.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Eysis Estes-Brinson, Sr., 21-7, 5th, R2, D2; Carmen Moya, Jr., 19-6, RQ-BR, D3.
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What they are saying:
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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:
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Miami High Stingarees
Coach: Enoc Aguado
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Danelly Rodriguez, 6-8, D6; Yadira Andrade, 2-8, D6.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Ilen Santos, Jr., 10-13, RQ, D5; Elida Gutierrez, Sr., 6-10, RQ, D6; Leyla Rodriguez, So., 7-14, D6.
New wrestlers:
What they are saying:
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Miami Central
Coach:
Assistant coach:
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record:
Recent district results: 2025:18
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Valentina Mora, Sr., 14-6, RQ, D2; Cameron Echeverria, Sr., 20-9, D5.
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: