Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Story and photo by Donald Motley

For years, Ariyanah Parsons had been knocking on the door of greatness. Twice before, she had stood under the bright lights of the Virginia state finals, coming so close to the ultimate prize. But in 2025, she didn’t just knock—she kicked the door down and stormed through, cementing her place in history as the school and city’s first-ever girls state champion.

Parsons dominated her way to the top of the podium, completing a perfect, undefeated season (19-0) that left no doubt—this was her year. Match after match, she outworked, outwrestled, and outclassed her opponents, proving that her relentless drive and dedication had paid off.

In the finals, she stepped onto the mat with ice in her veins and fire in her heart, ready to seize the moment that had eluded her in the past. From the opening whistle, she imposed her will, showing the strength, speed, and technique that made her untouchable all season. She ended the match with a  31-second pin. When the final whistle blew, her arm was raised in victory, and the arena erupted—Ariyanah Parsons is a State Champion.

With this historic win, she not only etched her name in the record books but also paved the way for future generations of girls in her school and city to dream big and chase their own titles. A three-time state finalist. A state champion. An undefeated warrior.

Ariyanah Parsons didn’t just win—she made history.