As we gear up for the 2024-2025 high school wrestling season in Florida, excitement is in the air, thanks to a wave of transfers that have reshaped team rosters. With a large number of athletes switching schools, some programs have reaped the benefits, while others face the challenge of filling the gaps left by their departing stars. Florida’s wrestling scene, which includes boys’ divisions (1A, 2A, and 3A) and a thriving girls-only division, is set for one of its most competitive seasons in recent years. Let’s dive into how the landscape is shaping up.
Girls Wrestling: Flagler Palm Coast Reigns Supreme?
The girls’ division continues to grow in both talent and popularity, and this year, Flagler Palm Coast High School stands out as the team to watch. Benefiting from a wave of transfers, including state champions and state placers, Flagler Palm Coast is now loaded with an even deeper lineup. Their newfound talent has positioned them as the early favorite for the state team title, a role previously held by Hernando High School. Hernando had been the team to beat heading into the season, but with Flagler Palm Coast’s roster upgrades, they may find themselves battling for second place. My early pick to win the girls’ team state title is Flagler Palm Coast, but Hernando still has the firepower to make it an exciting race. Other teams in the hunt for a girls title are Riverdale HS, South Dade, North Miami and Middleburg.
1A: Mater Lakes Takes Center Stage
In the boys’ 1A division, Mater Lakes Academy now finds itself in prime position to claim the top spot. Jensen Beach and Somerset Academy, two programs previously in 1A, have been bumped up to 2A, opening the door for Mater Lakes to lead the charge. However, they cannot rest easy. Zephyrhills Christian, a perennial contender with a solid lineup year after year, is always a threat. Other 1A teams who will make their presence known are First Baptist-Naples, Cocoa Beach, Hernando, Cardinal Gibbons, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, North Bay Haven and Suwannee-Live Oak. The competition will be fierce, but Mater Lakes enters the season as the front-runner in 1A.
2A: Tampa Jesuit Leads the Pack, But Challenges Loom
In 2A, Tampa Jesuit looks like the team to beat, at least for now. They’ve established themselves as a dominant force in recent years, but competition is never far behind. Lake Gibson and Somerset Academy, both of which have claimed state team titles in recent years, are strong contenders. Lake Gibson, in particular, has a tradition of excellence, and you can never count them out when the stakes are high. Expect a three-way battle between Tampa Jesuit, Lake Gibson, and Somerset Academy for the 2A crown. Other 2A teams who will try and get as close to the top dogs are Jensen Beach, North Ft Myers, Fleming Island, Clay, Charlotte, Lincoln, Heritage and Middleburg.
3A: South Dade Still on Top
When it comes to the 3A division, the powerhouse of South Dade continues to reign supreme. Year after year, they’ve dominated the 3A landscape, and there’s little reason to believe this season will be any different. However, they’ll have to stay sharp with Southwest Miami and Southridge Miami close behind, both ready to pounce on any opportunity to dethrone the champs. South Dade enters the season as the overwhelming favorite, but in wrestling, surprises are always possible. Other 3A teams who will be gunning to knock off a few of the top teams are Flagler Palm Coast, Hagerty, Kissimmee Osceola, Wellington, Doral Academy, Viera and Stoneman Douglas. All of these teams have some firepower, but do they have enough?
Conclusion: A Season of High Expectations
All in all, the 2024-2025 Florida high school wrestling season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. With transfers reshuffling the deck and powerhouse programs in each division battling for supremacy, fans can expect top-notch competition across the board. The Florida Wrestling Room will be covering every twist and turn of the season, bringing you all the action and analysis from around the state. Buckle up, wrestling fans — it’s going to be a great season!
Photo Credit: Brian McCallum/Florida Today