Bates Earns Silver at National Meet

Redwood Wrestling Club had plenty to cheer about this week as one of its own competed among the best young wrestlers in the country.

KelleyAnne Bates, competing in the 10U Girls 67 lb. division, traveled to Spokane, Washington, to take on the nation at the 2026 USA Wrestling Women’s National Championships — and she made her club, her community, and her family proud every step of the way.

Held April 9-12 at The Podium in Spokane, the Women’s Nationals drew a record number of participants from across the country, featuring girls freestyle competition for athletes in the 8U through 14U divisions. The competition was fierce, the talent deep, and the stakes high — but Kelley- Anne rose to the moment.

She entered the bracket and did not slow down. Bates dominated her first two opponents by pin, powering her way through the bracket with the kind of aggressive, determined wrestling that earned her a spot in the championship match — the last girl standing between her and a national title. This win also secured All-American honors for Bates.

Along the way, Kelley- Anne faced competitors from Alaska, Washington, and Wisconsin — states with strong wrestling traditions — before ultimately finishing with a silver medal in the championship round.

Second place at a national tournament is a remarkable achievement at any age. For a 10U athlete to reach the finals against the best in the country, winning by pin twice on that stage, speaks volumes about her skill, her grit, and the quality of her preparation.

Redwood Wrestling Club is a registered non-profit youth wrestling organization based in Del Norte County, dedicated to developing young athletes year-round. KelleyAnne’s performance in Spokane is a shining example of what RWC athletes are capable of when given the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of the sport.