Arizona Wrestler Becomes First Girl To Win State Title In Boys Division

Sunnyside High School senior Audrey Jimenez became the first girl wrestler in Arizona history to win a wrestling title in the boys Division 1 tournament.

The 18-year-old Tucson native had spent the past three years dominating the girls division, winning three consecutive state titles. In each of those seasons, she regularly competed against males in the regular season, but she was not allowed to compete for a state title against them.

But before this season began, the Arizona Interscholastic Association decided they would allow Jimenez to compete in the boys' division. And she fully took advantage of the opportunity, defeating four opponents in the 106-pound division.

In December, Jimenez said she was looking forward to the challenge of competing against stronger opponents.

"For me, wrestling against the boys is going to test me a little bit more," Jimenez said in an interview with Arizona Republic. "Either way, wrestling against the boys or the girls, I’m happy to represent Sunnyside."

I’m sure she’s happy to win a state title too. 

Jimenez was not the only girl to compete in the boys' division. Everest Leydecker of Desert Vista High School in Phoenix also got the green light to compete in the division.

Once the senior won her historic title, Jimenez said the crowd showered her with raucous applause.

"The crowd was just super crazy," Jimenez told Scripps News Phoenix. "So that's what made it seem more of like 'Oh wow, like I just won state."

She also hopes her win will inspire other girls to reach the level she did.

"Once you see it done you know it's possible," she added.