This episode explores the transition into high school girls wrestling for both experienced youth wrestlers and complete beginners. Coach Krista Simkiew and state finalist Sharon Alleron-Femi share practical tips on practices, varsity vs. JV, wrestle-offs, conditioning, weight management, and team culture.
Listeners will learn what to expect at first practices, how to measure success in a first season, and why mindset and community are as important as technique — whether you’ve wrestled since childhood or are trying the sport for the first time.
About Krista Simkiv: Krista Semkiv is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked at Palatine High School for the past 7 years. This is her 6th year serving as PHS’s Varsity Girls Wrestling Coach but has been coaching wrestling for over a decade. Krista serves on the wrestling rules committee for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) where she has the ability to make change at the national level for girls wrestling. Outside of work and wrestling, Krista enjoys spending time with her one year old son, husband, and two cats while listening to Taylor Swift.
About Sharon Olorunfemi: Sharon Olorunfemi is a senior wrestler at Schaumburg High School and one of the established names in Illinois girls wrestling. After qualifying for the IHSA State Finals as a sophomore, she returned as a junior and advanced all the way to the 135-pound state championship match, finishing as the 2026 IHSA state runner-up. Now entering her senior season, Sharon brings the perspective of an athlete who has grown through every stage of high school wrestling and understands both the challenges and opportunities that come with making the transition into the high school level.
About Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast: The Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast celebrates athletes, coaches and families helping girls wrestling grow across Illinois. With interviews, practical advice and stories, the podcast connects and supports IL girls wrestling community—on and off the mat.
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About the Host: Lena Burkut is the host and creator of the Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast, a show dedicated to sharing the stories, experiences, and voices shaping girls wrestling in Illinois. Through conversations with wrestlers, coaches, officials, parents, and other members of the wrestling community, she focuses on helping families better understand the sport while highlighting the continued growth of girls wrestling. Lena also brings a background in journalism, communications, and visual storytelling to the podcast, with a strong interest in building a more informed, connected, and supportive wrestling community.
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