Lakes’ Ava Babbs nears the end of her 2nd season with newfound confidence. Is a medal at the state meet next?

Ava Babbs thought she might have made a big mistake.

Babbs decided to give wrestling a shot in late 2021 as Lakes launched its first girls program, but she wasn’t confident about it.

“I was just coming out to stay in shape for volleyball and track, so I was scared not knowing how it would turn out,” she said. “Showing up for the first practice was tough on me in a lot of ways.”

But Babbs stuck it out — and made significant progress too. She went 13-8 during her sophomore season and finished eighth in the 135-pound weight class at the Illinois High School Association’s first-ever state meet for girls.

“Yeah, that was a surprise to finish eighth,” she said. “I started out not taking it too seriously, and by the end of the season, I was really into it.”

Babbs gained a boost of confidence when she posted two victories in the wrestlebacks after losing her first match at state.

“I think I showed myself that I could compete against the best girls at state,” she said. “It set me up to get ready for this season.”

Indeed, Babbs (18-4) has been all-in this season. She dropped down two weight classes to 125, getting into top shape for her junior year with a no-nonsense offseason program, and she is a top-four seed in the state meet that begins Friday at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

At the Evanston Sectional, Babbs pinned all four of her opponents to win the title.

“I felt really confident at the sectional,” she said. “Last season, I really didn’t know what to expect. This season, I was ready to compete.

“My mindset is totally different this season. I want to be the best I can be, and I’m taking it seriously.”

Babbs is getting better and better with each practice and each meet, according to Lakes coach Devin Tortorice.

“She’s a natural athlete with a high wrestling IQ,” Tortorice said. “She grasps everything quickly and is very coachable. She’s really stepped up her game this season.”

Babbs didn’t even know she had “game” until she gave the sport a chance.

“It’s so much different than sports I was used to competing in,” she said. “It’s much more intense, but it’s also a great community with our team. You really want to work hard for yourself and your teammates.”

Babbs said she wants to improve on her performance at state last year.

“I’m working on polishing the things I know I can do well, plus working on new things that can help me get even better,” she said. “It would be great to get a podium finish (top six) downstate.”

Tortorice said a top-three finish might be in the cards. However, Babbs might run into a certain opponent — Lockport freshman Claudia Heeney (39-0) in the semifinals — who beat her this season.

“You never know what is going to happen when two good wrestlers square off,” Tortorice said. “Ava might be able to turn the tables this time.”

Babbs might have a future in the sport beyond high school, according to Tortorice.

“I think she definitely has a chance at a wrestling (college) scholarship in a couple of years if she wants one,” he said. “She has the talent and the work ethic to continue to improve.”

Babbs used to think volleyball would be her sport in college, but her success on the mat could be complicating those plans.

“Yeah, I could see myself possibly wrestling in college,” she said. “I have some time before I have to make those decisions, but it’s definitely something to think about.”

Darren Day is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.