Wrestling isn’t all this Newton senior does. But it’s where she’s No. 1
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- Newton senior Jaeann James balances wrestling, music, equestrian and multiple clubs.
- James rose from part-time freshman to Class 5A No. 1 at 130 with steady progress.
- She aims for a state title in her final season while prioritizing enjoyment.
Wrestling may be where Newton senior Jaeann James is making headlines this winter, but it is hardly the only place where she competes, and excels, during the school year.
On any given week, she might move from the wrestling room to the band hall, from the weight room to the barn, from a club meeting to taekwondo practice — and still find a way to be the best wrestler in Class 5A at 130 pounds.
While many of her peers have built their identities around year-round wrestling, James has taken a far less conventional route to the top. Wrestling is just one line on a resume that already reads like a full-page program.
“I always joke with her that she needs two letter jackets,” Newton girls wrestling coach Matt Treaster said. “She’s got all of these patches and letters from like 15 different things. I can’t even keep track of them all.”
That makes James’ rise all the more remarkable. Entering high school with little wrestling experience, she split time as a freshman between basketball and wrestling during the winter season. Even as a part-time wrestler, she qualified for the state tournament. Once she committed more fully to the sport, the progress came quickly: a podium finish at state in her sophomore season, another state medal as a junior and now a senior campaign with a 20-3 record entering this weekend’s tournament at Remington.
“A lot of it is just mat time,” Newton boys coach Tommy Edgmon said. “She’s just continued to get better and better. You can see that she is less timid and takes more shots now. She’s gained confidence and now she’s looking to make things happen out there.”
James’ growth hasn’t been limited to technique. It’s been mental, too. It’s a shift she says has unlocked another level in her wrestling this season.
“I feel like I’ve grown the most mentally and I’m just more confident in myself the more that I learn,” James said. “I think you can see that on the mat now when I wrestle. When something doesn’t quite go my way or how I want it to go, mentally I’m ready to switch directions and try something else to keep moving forward.”
That adaptability is part of what has allowed James to thrive despite not wrestling outside the high school season. Every match is a learning opportunity, every practice rep valuable. Coaches say her natural athleticism and quick learning curve have helped close the experience gap.
“She’s just naturally a very good athlete and that’s helped her overcome that lack of experience,” Treaster said. “She’s got good strength and incredible hips. She’s almost cat-like where she almost always lands on her feet. It’s a good combination to have.”
James actually grew up as a basketball player, but decided to join the wrestling team on a part-time basis as a freshman. The physicality of the sport appealed to her, but trying to balance two sports at once, however, quickly became overwhelming. Early in her sophomore season, the stress of pulling double duty finally forced a decision. James chose the mat.
The payoff was immediate.
Now she is a key part of Newton, the No. 3-ranked team in Class 5A that includes defending state champions Brookelyn Treaster, a junior at 105, and senior Avery Hinojos at 115, along with state placers Ashley McMullin, a senior at 120, and Ryah Bristol, a sophomore at 140. James also sharpens her skills daily with senior practice partner Alexandria Streck, while the Railers also have an impact freshman in Deja Giles at 110.
And yet, wrestling still doesn’t define James.
Outside the wrestling room, James participates in equestrian show jumping, plays trumpet as first chair in Newton’s jazz band and wind ensemble and is active in HOSA, 4-H and Girl Scouts. She practices taekwondo in her spare time and is a standout defender for the Newton girls soccer team in the spring.
Despite the packed schedule, James is clear about her goal this winter. After finishing fifth at state as a sophomore and fourth last season at 130, she knows the path is clear for her at 130. The top three wrestlers from her weight class graduated, making James the top returner and that is reflected in her No. 1 ranking.
“I really do want to win a state championship,” James said. “This is literally my last chance, so might as well go big or go home.”
At the same time, she’s intent on enjoying every moment of her final season.
“It’s my last year, so I just want to have fun and make the most out of it,” James said. “My mom always tells me to leave it all out on the mat. So that’s what I’m trying to do, literally leave everything out on the mat.”
This story was originally published January 30, 2026 at 6:01 AM.
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