Audrey Jimenez is used to the big stage. The #1 pound-for-pound high school wrestler in the country already has a Senior US Open title and four age-level World Championship medals. Her high-octane style makes her a favorite to win the 2024 Olympic Trials challenge tournament at 50 kilograms in April. 

Jimenez considered graduating early but stayed for her senior season at Sunnyside High School where she petitioned the Arizona Interscholastic Association to compete in the boys’ division. 

“Ever since girls’ high school wrestling was sanctioned my freshman year, I haven’t been allowed to wrestle boys at state,” Jimenez said. “I’ve been able to wrestle boys through the entire high school season except for sectionals and state. 

“Wrestling is wrestling but I felt like I would be a bit more challenged against the boys. With the help of my coaches and supporters, I was able to win the appeal for me to be able to wrestle boys, as well as Everest (Leydecker).”

The prep star took a step toward winning a boys' state title by becoming the first Arizona girl to win a boys' sectional tournament. Jimenez notched three straight falls before securing a major decision in the 106-pound finals. 

Sophomore Everest Leydecker finished second at 120 pounds in the AIA Division I, Section III tournament. She had two falls before dropping her finals match, 5-2. Leydecker (17-3) will face Henry Ofeciar (37-12) in the opening round of state. 

Jimenez is currently seeded first with an 8-0 record and will face Shawn Brunson (33-15) in the first round. 

The AIA state championships are February 15-17. 

Click here for full Arizona boys' state tournament brackets

Audrey Jimenez - AIA Division I, Section I - 106 pounds - 1st
Champ. Round 1 - Audrey Jimenez (Sunnyside H.S.) 8-0 won by fall over Caleb Hood (Skyline) 25-15 (Fall 3:28)

Quarterfinal - Audrey Jimenez (Sunnyside H.S.) 8-0 won by fall over Isaiah Balderas (Queen Creek) 12-14 (Fall 0:47)

Semifinal - Audrey Jimenez (Sunnyside H.S.) 8-0 won by fall over Steven Valdivia (Red Mountain) 21-9 (Fall 0:36)

1st Place Match - Audrey Jimenez (Sunnyside H.S.) 8-0 won by major decision over Grant Cash (Marana) 44-7 (MD 10-1)

Everest Leydecker - AIA Division I, Section III - 120 pounds - 2nd
Quarterfinal - Everest Leydecker (Desert Vista) 17-3 won by fall over Avram DelaRosa (North) 18-15 (Fall 1:16)

Semifinal - Everest Leydecker (Desert Vista) 17-3 won by fall over Brayden Kaiser (Desert Ridge) 25-13 (Fall 3:14)

1st Place Match - Gavin Martinez (Corona Del Sol) 34-10 won by decision over Everest Leydecker (Desert Vista) 17-3 (Dec 5-2)