After a struggling 1-4 record concluded her 2024-25 campaign for Iowa women’s wrestling, third-year Lilly Luft took to the mat with vigor for her season debut in Sunday’s dual against Colorado Mesa and Oklahoma State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Of Iowa’s roster, only fourth-years Kennedy Blades and Reese Larramendy wrestled against both Colorado Mesa and Oklahoma State on Sunday. While Luft only wrestled one opponent on the day, the Charles City, Iowa, native made the most of her contest against Colorado Mesa’s Mollie Dare.
“I think it’s been a great season leading up,” Luft said. “Obviously, there’s been some battles, and it’s just a great opportunity every time I get to step on the mat. I’m thankful for every moment that I get to compete alongside my team. We pour a lot into this, and it’s just great to be back on the mat doing what I love.”
Equipped with a 6-0 lead and with 1:08 remaining in the first period, Luft kicked it up a notch, taking her opponent to the ground to stretch her six-point lead to a 10-0 technical superiority in the 138-pound match.
After her victory, the third-year adjusted her headgear, extended both hands in a wave to the home crowd, then intertwined her fingers to form a heart to the raucous fans.
“Honestly, I just love the fans here, I just felt that they needed some love too,” Luft said.
Later on in the dual, second-year Karlee Brooks came from behind to defeat Oklahoma State’s Kailey Benson with a fall, extending Iowa’s lead to 18-3. Brooks repeated Luft’s gesture, crediting her gratitude for Hawkeye fans.
“I’m just truly grateful for our supporters,” Brooks said. “Iowa is known for bringing the supporters, and our fan base is just so big. There’s no way to replicate wrestling in Carver, and so just being able to give back that love is something that I like to do. It felt like the right thing to do after my match.”
In a program known for wrestlers like fourth-years Kennedy Blades and Kylie Welker, Luft arrived in Iowa City with plenty of accolades of her own. Her career at Charles City Community High School was one of steady improvement.
As a high school freshman, Luft tallied a 32-3 season record culminating in a fourth-place state finish. By her senior year, her record was a perfect 40-0, which nabbed her a No. 1 national ranking and a runner-up placement at the 2023 Fargo Nationals.
For Iowa head coach Clarissa Chun, Luft’s prep career comes as no surprise given her attributes. In Chun’s eyes, Luft’s determination on and off the mat makes her success only natural.
“With the combination of her drive and her efforts and her work ethic, it’s a recipe for upward growth,” Chun said.