By Bruce Karnick

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At 16 years old, Skylar Little Soldier was the first ever sanctioned Minnesota State High School League Girls State Wrestling Champion at 132 pounds. After winning her match at the state meet, Little Soldier spoke with the media. She made it clear that her next goal was to represent the USA on the world stage.

On Mother’s Day, she accomplished the next step of that goal placing second at the 2022 USMC Freestyle Nationals in the 17U World Team Trials in Fort Worth, Texas. Little Soldier will be part of Team USA’s Pan Am Games team which will wrestle in Argentina in June.

“Words cannot explain the happiness she brings us,” said her father Nate Little Soldier. “Hard work and dedication are paying off. Lots more work to put in to get to her end goals. Thank you to all that support her and cheer for her!”

Little Soldier entered the USMC tournament ranked as the number 11 wrestler in the 57 kg 17U class. She wrestled the number one ranked wrestler from Washington and placed second in the tournament. Last year she won in the 15U class in Fargo, ND.

The success of student athletes is a testament to the coaches and training partners they have throughout their entire careers along with their determination, drive and talent.

Little Soldiers mother Chulsie said it best, “Wrestling is a family sport for sure and she sure has an amazing one!”

Good luck Sklyar and keep making Hastings proud!