ALYSSA ARCHER’S phone buzzed with scholarship offers after she placed fifth at state this year, rising up from last year’s sixth-place win. But her journey to the top of the wrestling mat wasn’t always easy. It came with perseverance, a strong will, the mindset to defy expectations, and the unyielding support of a coach who believed in her. Wrestling has taken her everywhere — from Iowa to Missouri, to Georgia, and now to Kentucky, for her newest and biggest adventure yet.
It seemed like it was just yesterday when she’d dominated the state wrestling championship, her name leaving its mark in the minds of her peers. College coaches from across the country were contending for her talent, their messages flooding her inbox. It was chaotic for the unassuming teenager who, only two years prior, had stepped onto the wrestling mat for the first time. Joining the wrestling team was more out of a desire to stay healthy than a burning passion for the sport.
The initial flurry of offers was both thrilling and overwhelming. Still basking in the afterglow of her state competition, Archer received calls from coaches offering athletic scholarships and full academic rides. But beneath the excitement lurked a deeper struggle — the reality of the challenges she’d faced while on the school’s women’s wrestling team.
She and her teammates came from humble beginnings, sharing a cramped locker room that doubled as a storage closet. They also faced numerous issues with funding, but Archer and her fellow wrestlers never gave up.
They hustled alongside their selfless coach, Jack Gallagher, selling merchandise and securing sponsors to fund their equipment and travel. According to Archer, their success was mainly due to Gallagher’s commitment to strengthening his team and the bond they’d shared in the wrestling room. This connection was far stronger than any trophy. They celebrated each other’s victories, mourned over losses, and pushed each other to be their best selves.
“This year, the team was a lot closer than we were the past two years I’ve wrestled,” she said. “I almost quit every year, but this year, the team came together. We all got along. It was great.”
Wrestling hadn’t always been Archer’s sport of interest. In fact, she’d initially stepped onto the mat somewhat hesitantly. After taking a break from the gym, she found herself gaining weight and needing an outlet. As she entered the wrestling room, she felt that a traditionally male-dominated space was intimidating. Yet, with each grueling practice session, a sense of empowerment bloomed within her.
She found a deeper well of perseverance within herself, and more importantly, she discovered a supportive sanctuary.
Being a successful student-athlete for Archer meant navigating body weight changes, conquering mental obstacles, and, at one point, taking a break to improve her grades.
“I had to make sure I didn’t procrastinate in the classroom. During the week of regionals, I missed a lot of work. I was failing several classes,” she admitted. “After state, I took some days off from the gym to get my work done. I was really worried about my GPA from that, but I got it done and got everything back up.”
Now, Archer is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Lindsey Wilson University in Kentucky offered her a full-ride scholarship. She plans to major in English administration and minor in sports management there, and she’ll also have the opportunity to compete at a national level. Notably, she will be joining the thriving women’s wrestling team in its second year.
“The school is beautiful. I love the coach. I actually competed in a tournament recently, and he came up there, not just to watch me, but he did get to watch and helped me a little bit,” she explained.
She dreams of one day using her experience on the mat to mentor and inspire the youth in her hometown. Inspired by Coach Gallagher’s example, Archer plans to one day return to Franklin County to coach the next generation of champions in club sports.
As she prepares to leave her small town for the bright lights of college athletics, Archer’s message is clear: Wrestling is a sport for everyone, regardless of gender. It’s a sport that creates not just champions but strong, confident individuals. It’s about defying expectations and building lifelong relationships. Above all, it’s about the strength and fortitude that makes champions both on the mat and in the face of every challenge life throws your way.
She said, “It’s a hard sport. You’re gonna get hurt, but at the end of the day, it’s worth it. It’s fun. The relationships you make are lifelong and life-changing.” GN
