The future of women's wrestling has never looked brighter, and Utah proved it Tuesday night at the UCCU Center in Orem, where the state's top female wrestlers delivered an unforgettable performance at the Ross Brunson All-Star Duals.

More than a thousand enthusiastic spectators packed the arena to witness history in the making. Syracuse senior Payton Gines earned her fourth all-star title with a decisive 12-3 victory over Uintah's Sadie Rhoades, but her excitement extended far beyond her own achievement. "I think it's fun because there's a lot of girls from different clubs, and there's a lot of the best kids," Gines shared warmly. "I think it's really cool and fun to watch the best kids compete against each other with a bunch of friends."

The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the UVU wrestling program, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. What makes this milestone especially meaningful is the remarkable transformation the event has undergone. Back in 2018, just three girls' matches were featured alongside the traditional boys' competitions. Fast forward to today, and the growth is nothing short of extraordinary—33 girls' matches took place compared to 29 boys' matches, requiring three full mats to accommodate all the talented athletes.

This expansion reflects the surging popularity of girls' wrestling throughout Utah, creating incredible opportunities for young female athletes to showcase their skills and pursue their athletic dreams. The USA Utah Wrestling committee carefully selected participants, with one wrestler from each weight class chosen across four different teams: 6A/5A, 4A/3A, 2A/1A, and a wildcard team.

The center mat featured several thrilling matchups that kept the crowd on their feet. Gines, a two-time 6A state champion, faced off against Rhoades, an undefeated two-time 4A state champion with a perfect 19-0 record. Gines demonstrated exceptional technique and strategy, improving to 7-2 for the season. "I feel like I stayed in good position and defended really well," she explained. "Made sure I stayed behind her and in good position."

Westlake sophomore Tevia Rarick, ranked No. 2 nationally in the 190-pound weight class, also impressed the crowd with a second-period fall over Uintah's McKinlee Collett. Rarick expressed genuine appreciation for the opportunity: "It's definitely a nice showcase event. Just bigger crowd, under the lights, you get a good match. They pair you up with really good people."

The evening celebrated family achievements too, with Hillcrest sisters Eva and Katie Zimmerman both securing victories with second-period pins. Eva, a senior competing against Uintah sophomore Leena Sharp, captured the spirit of the event perfectly: "I'm super excited to watch all this wrestling. These are the best people in the state."

The Ross Brunson All-Star Duals represents more than just competition—it's a celebration of progress, community, and the boundless potential of young female athletes who are redefining what's possible in wrestling.