![Molly O'Connor - 2026 GWR State Medalist]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772318187/lhs210net/wsxc8th0zvn0t2pr4luz/MollyOConnor-2026GWRStateMedalist.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772318187/lhs210net/wsxc8th0zvn0t2pr4luz/MollyOConnor-2026GWRStateMedalist.jpg","width":295}])
Making her third straight state finals appearance, Lemont High School senior Molly O’Connor made program history by earning the school’s first girls’ wrestling state medal. O’Connor placed sixth at 125 pounds at the 2026 IHSA Girls’ Wrestling State Finals, which were contested on February 27-28 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. She is the program’s first-ever three-time girls’ wrestling state qualifier.
O’Connor (44-12) split six matches to earn her medal. After falling in the first round, she won three straight contests – all via second period falls – in the consolation bracket. She reached the 40-win mark for the second straight season.
O’Connor won four times on her way to placing third at the IHSA Schaumburg Sectional and earning a state finals berth. She also placed third at the IHSA East Aurora Regional, winning five matches after an early setback.
O’Connor was the runner-up in her weight class at the South Suburban Conference meet this season.
Earlier this year, O’Connor became the school’s first girls’ wrestler to reach the 100-win mark, and she closes her career as the program’s all-time wins leader. She established a school girls’ wrestling record for wins in a season when she went 45-9 in 2025. She competed at 120 pounds at the 2024 IHSA State Finals, and at 125 pounds in 2025.
Suzie Knutte ‘23 was Lemont’s first girls’ wrestling state qualifier in 2023.
Lemont’s head wrestling coach is Egan Berta, while Rob Hammerschmidt is the assistant coach who primarily works with the program’s girls’ wrestlers.