When Goals Align: How Support Fueled Delgado’s Second State Title

Some athletes win championships. Others redefine what dominance looks like.Through her first two years of high school, Hailey Delgado has firmly placed herself in the second category.

The Eastwood sophomore captured her second 6A state title at 110 pounds this past weekend, extending an undefeated high-school career that already includes a Fargo national title and a No. 3 national ranking in her weight class. Yet for Delgado, the accolades have never been the finish line—they’re simply markers along a much longer journey.

“What motivates me to keep improving is always setting a goal for myself,” Delgado said. “Even small goals—like improving my shots or turns—help me focus at practice. My team motivates me too. I just want to make them proud and help them succeed.”

That team-centered mindset is woven deeply into the culture at Eastwood. Despite being one of the smaller schools in 6A, the program consistently produces elite-level wrestlers, something Delgado attributes to the bond inside the room.

“We all consider each other family,” she said. “Having close people you can talk to makes everything more enjoyable. We all want to see each other succeed, and that pushes us every day.”

While fans see dominant performances on the mat, Delgado says the real cost of success happens away from the spotlight.

“The amount of discipline that goes into this sport is something people don’t always see,” she explained. “There were countless times I had to miss important events or time with friends because of practice or tournaments. I’ve given so much of my time to wrestling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but it can definitely be challenging especially when you consider the amount of things wrestlers have going on all at the same time.”

That commitment began long before high school. Delgado set her sights early—very early.

“Since I was a youth wrestler, I set a goal to become a four-time state champ,” she said. “Coming into high school, I told myself I would do everything in my power to achieve that. From my first high school practice, I had the mindset of becoming a state champion.”

This season, the difference-maker wasn’t a technical overhaul—it was mental consistency.

“The main thing I’ve tried to focus on this year is having a positive mindset no matter what situation I’m in,” Delgado said. “I reminded myself of everything I loved about the sport and why I am doing it. Doing this really helped me push through obstacles this season.”

She didn’t do it alone. Delgado credits her training partners and teammates—Ayden Galarza, Alessandra Toscano, Jaylee DeSantos, Isabella Moreno, Nayeli Ortiz, and Hector Ortiz—for making the grind meaningful.

“Almost every day, they were in the mat room with me, laughing and pushing each other,” she said. “Having teammates who are there for me no matter what gave me something to look forward to all season.”

Behind that daily work stands a coaching staff Delgado describes as foundational to her success.

“My coaches played the most important role in helping me win state,” she said. “They pushed us, but they were also there to lift us up at our lowest points. They prioritized our mental and physical health and made sure we could enjoy the sport we love.”

At home, the support never wavered.

“My family is my number one supporter,” Delgado said. “They gave up weekends, drove hundreds of hours, and sat through long days in gyms just so I could feel supported. They always look out for what’s best for me even if that means pushing me in some situations, and without their support I definitely wouldn’t have been able to accomplish half of what I have.”

When the final whistle blew and her second state title became official, the emotion hit instantly.

“I had the biggest smile on my face,” she said. “I was so proud to accomplish the goal I worked toward all season. Making my school, my family, my teammates—and myself—proud was an incredible feeling.”

Now, Delgado sees her success as something bigger than medals.

“Winning my second state title shows all the work I’ve put in,” she said. “I hope it inspires younger wrestlers to believe in themselves and chase their goals.”

For Delgado, that inspiration is deeply personal.

“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given to me, and I hope I can help youth wrestlers fall in love with it as much as I have,” she said.

Her advice is simple, but powerful.

“Surround yourself with people who have similar goals,” Delgado said. “Having the right support system makes wrestling so much more enjoyable.”

Undefeated, nationally ranked, and still chasing improvement, Hailey Delgado isn’t just building a résumé—she’s setting a standard for what’s possible in girls wrestling.