For Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) senior Nethmi Amarakone, the road to wrestling glory began with a splash, literally. A varsity swimmer and water polo player since middle school, Nethmi was well-versed in the water, but "land sports" were uncharted territory until her sophomore year.

After a mock tournament with her water polo team sparked an unexpected interest, Nethmi decided to trade her goggles for a wrestling singlet. It was a pivot that would eventually lead to a historic milestone for Ladue Schools.

Nethmi’s transition to the mat was fueled by a unique passion for freestyle wrestling, an international style distinct from the traditional "folkstyle" practiced during the high school season. Her dedication culminated in a standout senior year where she:

• Served as the Women’s Wrestling Captain at LHWHS.
• Placed at the Missouri Freestyle State Championships.
• Became the first female student in Ladue history selected to represent Team Missouri.

This July, Nethmi will take her talents to the national stage, representing our state at the 2026 U.S. Marine Corps Junior & Senior Nationals in Nevada.

Nethmi’s success comes at a pivotal moment for the sport. Women’s wrestling is currently the fastest-growing sport in the country, with participation quintupling since 2013. By early 2026, 46 states had officially sanctioned it as a high school sport, and the NCAA recently added it as its 91st championship sport.

With over 74,000 girls competing nationally this past season, Nethmi is part of a massive movement of young women redefining what is possible on the mat.

Despite being a latecomer to the sport, Nethmi has proven that it is never too late to try something new and excel. She hopes her journey encourages other students to step out of their comfort zones and give wrestling a try.

"Wrestling was the first land sport she took seriously," said her mother, Ayusha Amarakone. Now, that serious commitment has turned into a trailblazing legacy.

Please join us in congratulating Nethmi Amarakone on her historic achievements and wishing her the best of luck as she competes for Team Missouri this summer!