February 24, 2026, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX--Lancaster High School is celebrating a historic moment in athletics as Victoria Brown earned a second place finish at the UIL Class 6A State Wrestling Championship, becoming the first female wrestler in school history to claim a State Runner-Up title.
In just two years of wrestling, Brown rose to the state finals, an achievement that makes her accomplishment even more remarkable.
“Victoria has only been wrestling for two years,” said Wrestling Head Coach Jerry Sands. “I realized she was special and had state potential the first day she stepped on the mat. She picked everything up so easily. She's a natural.”
Although Brown’s natural talent opened the competition door, Sands believes it was determination that carried her through it. 
“Victoria’s determination started last year when she didn't make the state tournament. She committed herself and her confidence has grown from the beginning of the season,” said Sands.
That growth was visible on the mat at state. Match after match, Victoria wrestled with confidence, focus, and belief.
“In my mind, I truly believed in myself,” Brown said. “I reminded myself that I didn't work this hard and come this far to lose. I was confident, prepared and locked in on exactly what I needed to do.”
Her silver medal is historic, but the story behind it is even bigger. Victoria competed against athletes who have been wrestling since early childhood. A sharp contrast to her beginning the sport in high school. The gap in experience alone makes her finish extraordinary.
“This achievement says that anything is possible,” Coach Sands said. “Victoria is a black female wrestler who has been doing this for only two years. She competed and won against wrestlers who have been wrestling since they were five years old. Just think about how big this is. Imagine if you were a basketball player and the first time picking up a basketball was in tenth grade. It's almost impossible to have success because you are behind. This achievement will inspire future female wrestlers to want to be like Victoria.”
For Victoria, the title carries deep personal meaning.
“Becoming the first female in school history to be a state finalist means the world to me,” she said. “It's a meaningful accomplishment for me and I am deeply grateful. I am truly blessed to achieve this title and honor.”
The entire city cheered on Brown leading up to state and have been supportive since she returned to school as the state-runner up. Now, her message to her supporters is simple: she is not finished yet.
“You guys already know, the goal for next season is being the first girl in Lancaster history to win a state championship,” said Brown. “Coming so close this year has only motivated me to work harder so I can receive first place. Beyond my own goals, I want to prove to brown-skinned athletes that we belong in this sport and that we can dominate if we are committed to it.”
Victoria’s runner-up finish is silver on paper. In impact, it is gold. It represents courage, representation, and belief. It raises the standard for Lancaster High School wrestling and opens the door wider for the young girls watching from the stands.