May 26, 2026
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High School Wrestling
MatBoss has announced the eight recipients of its 2026 Manager Scholarship.
Established in 2018, the MatBoss Manager Scholarship supports high school and college wrestling managers across the country. Recipients are selected based on their service to the sport, academic achievement, honors and awards, and involvement in extracurricular and community activities.
To be eligible, applicants must serve as an active wrestling manager for a MatBoss-affiliated team and be either a high school senior or currently enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution.
This year's recipients were chosen from a pool of 108 applicants across 26 states.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are Abby Leonard, Wyatt Kamp, Rylee Hackmann, Jillian Sempkowski, Mercy Dulaney, Berlyn Lord, Marisa McAllister, and Lindsay Settlemyre.
Congratulations to this year's recipients, and thank you for your service to the sport of wrestling.
Brief biographies of each recipient are included below.
Abby Leonard has developed a wide range of valuable skills through her experience as a high school wrestling manager at St. Michael-Albertville High School in Minnesota, lessons that she says will carry with her long after graduation.
"Being a wrestling manager has helped me grow in a lot of ways," Abby said. "One big skill I've learned is how to stay organized. I have to keep track of equipment, match times, and what the team needs. This taught me to pay attention to details and stay on top of things."
Balancing a full schedule that includes school, practices, tournaments, church, and work has also strengthened her time management. "I've learned how to use my time wisely," she said.
Abby also credits the role with improving her communication skills.
"I talk with coaches and teammates a lot, so I've learned how to speak clearly and listen well," she said.
That daily interaction, combined with the fast-paced nature of tournaments, has helped her become more dependable and composed under pressure.
"People count on me to do my job and get it done in a timely manner," Abby said. "I've learned to think ahead and be ready before someone asks for help. I also learned how to stay calm and positive, even during stressful tournaments."
Abby emphasized the personal growth that comes with being part of a team.
"It's taught me how to be a team player and to know how important each person is," she said. "I've grown as a person to just jump in and do anything the team needs no matter how easy or hard it is."
She also highlighted the impact of technology on the role, particularly the use of MatBoss.
"MatBoss has made my job a lot easier," Abby said. "It helps me keep track of matches and stats quickly and in one place."
She added that athletes benefit as well, noting that the wrestlers "enjoy seeing their matches so they can visualize their mistakes and successes."
Overall, Abby views her time as a wrestling manager as a defining experience.
"Being a wrestling manager has helped me become more responsible, organized, and confident," she said. "I'm very thankful. These are skills I will use for the rest of my life."
Abby plans to continue her education at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota, where she will pursue a Business Transfer Pathway before transferring to the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business.
After his wrestling career was cut short by illness, Wyatt Kamp found a new way to stay connected to the sport, stepping into the role of a wrestling manager at Edina High School in Minnesota. What began as a way to remain part of the team quickly turned into a meaningful experience that shaped his future.
"I wanted to stay with the wrestling group and community, so I became a wrestling manager," Wyatt said. "Although I didn't get to wrestle, I was still able to be with the group and watch wrestling."
Through the role, Wyatt gained a new appreciation for the responsibilities managers carry.
"It takes a lot of focus, responsibility, and awareness to make sure you create the best quality videos, mistake-free," he said. "The most important thing is that wrestlers are given the chance to review their matches, learn from their mistakes, and improve."
Wyatt developed several key skills, starting with focus.
"You don't have the luxury of looking away from a match or getting distracted," he said. "Maintaining focus is an important skill needed in all aspects of life."
He also emphasized the importance of working quickly and efficiently, noting that managers must keep up with the pace of matches while ensuring accuracy.
Adaptability became another critical skill.
"Being a wrestling manager doesn't just mean you are videoing matches; it also involves carrying equipment and helping coaches with whatever they need," Wyatt said. "It involves being ready for whatever is needed of you and staying flexible."
These lessons have directly influenced his future goals. Wyatt plans to major in cybersecurity and pursue a career as a digital forensic analyst, where attention to detail, efficiency, and adaptability are essential.
"You have to comb through tons of information, but you also want to make sure you catch everything," he said.
Wyatt also credited MatBoss for making the job more manageable.
"It played a large role in making videoing and recording what happens during a match much easier and more efficient," he said, adding that it reduced stress compared to older, manual methods.
Reflecting on his experience, Wyatt said the role taught him an important lesson about impact.
"You don't have to be in the spotlight to make an impact on the team," he said. "The many skills learned through being a wrestling manager left a positive impact on my life that I will always remember, preparing me for life after graduation."
Rylee Hackmann has built an impressive resume through her work as a wrestling manager, turning behind-the-scenes responsibilities into real-world experience that has shaped both her career path and personal growth.
"Even though I have never stepped on a mat and wrestled a match before, this sport has taught me hard work, dedication, and grit," Rylee said. "Wrestling has changed my life for the better."
Rylee began her journey at Basehor-Linwood High School in Kansas and has continued her role at Barton Community College, developing skills in organization, time management, and communication along the way. Balancing academics, practices, and competitions required her to stay on top of schedules, statistics, and social media, while also coordinating with coaches, wrestlers, and parents.
"I've developed communication skills by working with various coaches, wrestlers, and parents … and having to solve problems quickly, which is where adaptability comes into play," she said.
Her role has expanded far beyond match-day responsibilities. Rylee has gained hands-on experience in digital media, including photography, graphic design, interviewing, and social media management. She has also learned to operate efficiently in fast-paced environments, even managing tasks like filming matches while capturing photos simultaneously.
Rylee's involvement in wrestling extends statewide. She serves on the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association board as a communication and graphic design lead, is the secretary for the USA Wrestling Kansas District 1 Board and works as a content reporter for Sports in Kansas. These roles have strengthened her leadership and professionalism while helping her build connections across the wrestling community.
"Being involved at such a high level at a young age has given me insight into how these organizations operate," Rylee said.
Among her notable experiences is helping run the Bobcat Classic, one of the largest in-season youth tournaments in Kansas, which hosts more than 500 wrestlers in a single day. Rylee managed registration, assisted with bracketing, and ensured the event ran smoothly.
She has also made a significant impact in digital growth. Rylee increased Barton Community College wrestling's Instagram following to over 250 and built a TikTok audience of more than 600 followers in just a few months. Her reporting work expanded wrestling coverage for Sports in Kansas by 80 percent, including visits to 16 schools and interviews with dozens of state champions.
Rylee credits MatBoss as a key tool in her success. "It simplifies tracking, recording stats, and keeps all the data in one place," she said. "It has made my job way less stressful."
Looking ahead, Rylee plans to pursue a career in education or athletics administration.
"The skills I have learned will help me, whether teaching high school journalism or serving as a Director of Operations for a wrestling program," she said.
Through her dedication and initiative, Rylee has shown that impact in wrestling goes far beyond the mat.
While the action unfolds on the mat, Jillian Sempkowski is ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes as a manager at Van Wert High School in Ohio, developing skills that extend far beyond high school wrestling.
"While the wrestlers are battling for position on the mat, I'm at the head table making sure everything behind the scenes actually works," Jillian said. "Being a wrestling manager has basically been a crash course in how to stay organized."
Jillian emphasized that organization is central to the role.
"Organization is the heartbeat of the whole program," she said. "I'm the one tracking weight cuts and making sure every athlete is ready the second their bout is called."
That responsibility has taught her to stay ahead of the moment.
"I've learned that being 'on time' is actually late; to keep a team moving, you have to be three steps ahead of the clock."
The fast-paced environment has also sharpened her communication skills. Acting as a link between coaches, athletes, and officials, she has learned to deliver information quickly and clearly under pressure.
"Whether I'm clearing up a score with a ref or reminding a coach which mat a wrestler is on, I have to stay calm," she said.
Through the experience, Jillian has gained confidence in handling complex responsibilities.
"In any future career, knowing how to handle data and coordinate a big group is going to be huge," she said. "I'm graduating with more than just a diploma; I have the proof that I can lead and organize even when the stakes are high."
Through her work behind the scenes, Jillian has demonstrated that leadership in wrestling isn't limited to those competing, but it's also built by those who keep everything running.
Mercy Dulaney's four years as a wrestling manager at Capital High School in Montana have done more than keep her connected to the sport. They have helped shape her future career.
"From the beginning of my life I have always been involved in wrestling," Mercy said. "When I joined wrestling as a manager I fell in love with athletic training."
Mercy entered high school unsure of her direction, but her experience with the wrestling program, especially working alongside the team's athletic trainer, gave her clarity. She now plans to study athletic training and kinesiology after graduation.
Over the course of her career, Mercy grew into a leadership role, serving as head manager from her sophomore through senior years. That position required constant communication with coaches, athletes, and fellow managers.
"Keeping in contact with all of these people with different personalities gave me real life experience that helps me every day," she said.
Balancing wrestling with a demanding schedule also strengthened her ability to handle pressure. In addition to managing for wrestling and football, Mercy maintained a job, participated in multiple clubs, and took honors and college-level classes.
"Putting myself in these situations and trying to manage my stress and schedule gave me many skills," she said.
Through it all, she credits wrestling for opening doors and providing meaningful experiences.
"I am thankful for every individual involved in wrestling for giving me opportunities and experiences I gained," Mercy said.
Her journey shows how a role behind the scenes can lead to a clear path forward and a lasting impact beyond high school.
Berlyn Lord's journey as a wrestling manager at Waunakee Community High School in Wisconsin began with uncertainty, but it quickly became one of the most meaningful experiences of her high school career.
"As a freshman, I was hesitant to come to the team," Berlyn said. "I knew no one else and had no background in the sport. It scared me at first to go into the unknown and experience something outside my comfort zone."
Thrown into the fast-paced environment of her first tournament, Berlyn quickly realized the importance of her role. "I was not just recording numbers and videos; these were important videos to see the progression of the guys' dedication," she said.
Over time, the experience helped her develop discipline and resilience. Early mornings became routine, with Berlyn waking up as early as 5 a.m. to prepare for competitions.
"Wrestling is all about discipline," she said. "Although I learned it in a much different way than the guys did, it was still a prominent skill to acquire."
The high-pressure nature of tournaments also shaped her ability to stay composed and problem-solve.
"Managing put me into high-stress environments and taught me how to deal with that," Berlyn said.
She also embraced the emotional side of the role, supporting teammates through tough losses.
"It was important to have empathy and patience … I will always remember the 'thank yous' I got from the guys."
Berlyn believes the experience has prepared her well for the future.
"As someone going into a hard major, I am equipped to handle any high-stress situations," she said. "I also know I can easily problem-solve in crazy, loud environments."
Reflecting on her journey, Berlyn credits wrestling for shaping who she has become.
"Wrestling truly will always be my favorite sport, and it will always have a large impact on my heart," she said.
Through her growth from a hesitant freshman to a confident leader, Berlyn's experience shows how stepping outside of one's comfort zone can lead to lasting impact.
Marisa McAllister's four years as a wrestling manager at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have provided more than just support for her team. They have helped prepare her for a future career in athletic training.
"Serving as a wrestling manager for four years now has strengthened many of my skills, including communication, time management, organization, and adaptability," Marisa said.
Communication has been at the core of her development, as she regularly works with coaches, athletes, parents, and administrators.
"Effective communication is a skill I will continue to rely on after graduation," she said, noting its importance in injury assessment and patient care in her future profession.
Balancing the demands of meets, travel, and academics has also sharpened her time management.
"This ability will benefit me greatly after graduation, as it is important to use time intentionally and productively," Marisa said.
She emphasized that in athletic training, efficiency must be paired with attentiveness to ensure every athlete receives quality care.
Organization and attention to detail have also been key areas of growth. From managing schedules to tracking match data, Marisa has learned how structure reduces errors and improves performance.
"Being organized allows me to work more smoothly and reduces the likelihood of errors," she said.
Her experience has also strengthened her ability to think quickly in high-pressure situations. While filming matches and recording data, she has learned to stay focused and respond in real time, skills that translate directly to the fast-paced nature of healthcare.
Marisa credits tools like MatBoss for enhancing her effectiveness.
"Its features make managing match information nearly effortless," she said, adding that having organized, accessible data is especially valuable when time is limited.
Overall, Marisa believes her experience has set her up for long-term success.
"Being a wrestling manager has not only prepared me with practical skills but has also helped me grow personally and professionally," she said.
Lindsay Settlemyre may not have been the one competing on the mat, but her impact on the wrestling team at Millbrook High School in North Carolina was undeniable. As a wrestling manager, she discovered that leadership often happens behind the scenes.
"Most people recognize the wrestlers on the mat, but very few notice the person making sure the stats are documented, the matches are recorded, and the uniforms are clean," Lindsay said.
Introduced to the role while supporting her twin brother, Lindsay quickly embraced the responsibilities that came with it. From filming and scoring matches to managing equipment and long tournament days, she learned how essential her role was to the team's success.
"Managing wrestling means doing the things that everyone forgets and never thinks about until they go wrong," she said.
Early challenges helped her grow. Mistakes at tournaments taught her to stay calm under pressure and take responsibility. Over time, she developed discipline, organization, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks in demanding environments.
Lindsay also gained a new perspective on leadership.
"Leadership isn't always about being in the spotlight; it's about supporting others so they are able to succeed," she said. "The strongest kind of leadership comes from serving others first."
Her experience shaped her approach beyond wrestling, influencing her academics and personal life.
"I learned that small tasks can have a big impact," she said, adding that consistency and effort matter more than immediate results.
Through her role, Lindsay saw firsthand the dedication of her teammates, which inspired her own growth.
"I started to value consistency and effort, rather than the results," she said.
Looking ahead, she plans to carry those lessons into college and beyond, continuing to support others and lead through service.
Her journey highlights an often-overlooked truth: success in wrestling, and in life, is built not only by those in the spotlight, but also by those working tirelessly behind it.
