Finishing her first high school season as the 2025 CIF State Champion, Freshman Ella Cohen has marked her place among California’s most elite wrestlers. Cohen capped off her phenomenal 2024-2025 season with a 41-1 record and a state title, solidifying herself as one of Paly’s top rising stars. Her historic title win was no surprise, given the countless hours of dedication and hard work that she poured into the sport.
“I always knew I wanted to win state,” Cohen said. “It was one of the goals I was working towards, and I always believed I could make it happen.”
Cohen’s path to the top wasn’t without its challenges. After an early-season loss in the semi-finals of the Napa Valley Classic, her hopes for an undefeated record were destroyed. Cohen’s response to setbacks throughout the season distinguishes her from the rest. No matter the result, she saw every match as a chance for growth and improvement.
“From there, she knew in her head that there were some things she needed to change, and train for, and she did a great job doing that,” Paly Wrestling Head Coach Jonathan Kessler said.
Wrestling is recognized for its intense physicality. However, mental preparation plays a crucial role as well. Cohen’s strong mental resilience and commitment to enhancing her performance sets her apart from other athletes. Through countless hours of training, she developed the ability to stay focused, overcome challenges, and refine her techniques, all of which ensured her confidence in the sport.
“I think having the confidence to execute your moves to their full potential is a big part of the mental aspect, as it feeds into the physical part too,” Cohen said.
During her time at Paly, Cohen has consistently demonstrated her incredibly strong work ethic. She attends training sessions every day after school, stays after scheduled practices, and on her own.
“She’s the hardest worker in the wrestling room,” Kessler said. “Not only does she put in work in the hours she has during practice, but hours before and after practice and on her own as well.”
Looking into the future, Cohen hopes to capture another state title as a sophomore and earn a spot on the U17 World Team.
“I have big goals for my future in wrestling,” Cohen said. “And I’m loving the process of getting there.”
Cohen recently attended the 2025 Girls National High School Showcase in Las Vegas, where she won first place and defeated the third-ranked girls wrestler in the country. With three more years ahead of her, Cohen’s success is expected to shape not only her personal legacy but also the future of the girls’ wrestling program. Her achievements have the potential to inspire future female athletes and raise the standard for what girl’s wrestling can become.
If her freshman year was any indication, Cohen’s promising journey is far from over.
