WATERLOO, Iowa – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum announced on Monday that Lilly Luft of Charles City High School in Charles City, Iowa has been chosen as the 2023 recipient of the Iowa High School Female Wrestler of the Year award.

The Iowa High School Female Wrestler of the Year Award is presented annually to the top female high school senior wrestler in Iowa. Luft will be presented her award during the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa inductions on June 23 at the Prairie Links Golf & Event Center in Waverly, Iowa, on Friday, June 23. For more information contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or dgmstaff@nwhof.org. Purchase tickets here

She is a three-time Iowa state high school champion, capturing Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association titles in 2021 and 2022 and an Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union title in 2023. Luft was 40-0 as a senior and is ranked fifth at 132 pounds in the National Girls High School Rankings for February. She compiled a 125-6 career record, giving her the most career wins for a female wrestler in state history.

Luft is a 16U All-American, a place-winner at the U17 World Team Trials, a Super 32 finalist, and a fourth-place finisher at the 2021 Cadet Beach Wrestling World Championships.

She will continue her wrestling career at the University of Iowa.

Iowa High School Female Wrestler of Year Winners
2021 - Millie Peach
2022 - Ella Schmit
2023 - Lilly Luft

Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa Class of 2023

Glen Brand Inductees
Rachel Watters, Oklahoma City University
Jon Reader, Iowa State University
Nate Gallick, Iowa State University
John Oostendorp, University of Iowa
Lennie Zalesky, University of Iowa

Glen Brand Team Award
1974-1975 University of Northern Iowa Wrestling Team

Russ Smith Community Impact Award
Josh Schamberger

Bob Siddens Iowa High School Wrestling Coach of the Year
Mark Reiland

Bowlsby Family Legacy Award
The Hinschberger / Shedenhelm Family

Iowa High School Female Wrestler of the Year
Lilly Luft