Glenbrook North wrestler Ariella Dobin scripted her entire junior season.
After losing in a state championship match last year, she was determined to avoid a similar ending.
“I had the mentality to never stop and keep grinding,” Dobin said. “I was pretty nervous before my state finals match last year. I got into my head with those nerves. After the match, that loss really stung. I made too many mental errors.
“I didn’t want to feel that feeling again, so the whole offseason I worked really hard and became more versatile.”
Dobin couldn’t compete until December due to a shoulder injury, which wasn’t part of the plan. But she still achieved every major milestone, completing her historic run to the top of podium by winning a 10-5 decision over Oak Forest freshman Rain Scott in the state championship match in the 125-pound weight class at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on Feb. 28.
“It was tough at times to keep the big picture,” Glenbrook North coach Thomas McGovern said. “But she took the recovery in stride and understood that we were preparing for her to be healthy in February for this run.”
Dobin (39-1), a three-time state qualifier, and Scott had split their two matches during the regular season. Dobin relied on her experience, toughness and strength to become her school’s first state champion in wrestling since Glenbrook’s Bill Schmadebeck won in 1959, before Glenbrook South opened.
“Winning state means a lot because it showed all my hard work paid off,” Dobin said. “I wanted it so bad, pushed the pace and was also motivated to beat her. I had a good mentality and physically knew I was stronger and better.
“I believed in myself, knowing I could dominate and had worked harder than anyone else.”
Seconds after winning the title, Dobin darted to her left, executed a perfect takedown of McGovern and proceeded to do a few circles around the center of the mat. She paused for a moment to pose for photos. Then she sprinted to the stands to hug family members and teammates.
Glenbrook North’s Ariella Dobin, top, celebrates with her coach after winning the state championship in the 125-pound weight class at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Pioneer Press)
Dobin even scripted that.
“I planned it out a week prior,” she said. “I knew when I got down here that I wouldn’t be able to think of something on the fly, so I had to plan it out. I got coach down quicker than I thought.”
McGovern had given her the green light.
“I told her if she wanted to do something and earned it, she would be able to do what she wanted after winning a state title,” McGovern said.
Dobin said her celebration reflects a personality that is vastly different from her demeanor during matches.
“A lot of people are shocked when I tell them I’m in wrestling because I like pink and I like to dress colorful,” she said. “I’m really talkable, and I like to laugh. When I wrestle, I can make that switch.”
McGovern said Dobin balances that well.
“Ariella is our hardest worker, comes in every day with a great focus and energy,” McGovern said. “She is able to see the fun in wrestling. She has so much fun out there. She loves the grind and working, but she truly does have fun.
“We told her to have fun out there, and she took that all the way and really enjoyed the moment.”
Glenbrook North’s Ariella Dobin, left, wrestles against Oak Forest’s Rain Scott during the championship match in the 125-pound weight class at the state meet at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Pioneer Press)
Several of Dobin’s teammates made the trek to Bloomington to watch her compete, including sophomore Leah Stringfellow and freshman Gabriella Smith. Stringfellow said Dobin’s relentlessness makes her a good role model.
“Even if she’s tired, she keeps going and doesn’t stop,” Stringfellow said. “She wants more. If the option is to make it harder, she will do it.”
Dobin has certainly made an impact on Smith.
“She has made the team such a welcoming environment for everyone,” Smith said. “I’ve become such good friends with her. She’s so impressive and is my idol. I look up to her because of her work ethic. I’m in awe of her.”
Derrick Noble is well versed in championship-level wrestling. His son, Warren junior Caleb Noble, an Arizona State recruit, recently won his third state title and is one of the top wrestlers in the country. Derrick Noble said he has watched Dobin’s progress during her three years at Toss Em Up Wrestling Academy in Waukegan.
“She is probably right now the hardest-working athlete at Toss Em Up,” Derrick Noble said. “She does not miss a practice. She is a coaches’ dream. She wants it so badly. She’s very dedicated and undoubtedly the second-most intelligent child who has ever wrestled for me.”
Glenbrook North’s Ariella Dobin, left, wrestles against Oak Forest’s Rain Scott during the championship match in the 125-pound weight class at the state meet at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Pioneer Press)
Placing fifth in the 120-pound weight class as a freshman gave Dobin confidence that she could succeed in the sport, which she started in eighth grade. She had already been involved in martial arts, including Krav Maga.
“Krav helped push me past my limits just so many times,” Dobin said. “Every single time, it taught me how strong I really am and that I love competing and that I have that drive to succeed.”
Dobin, who has 117-8 career record, believes she can achieve more.
“I know I can do even better next year,” she said. “I’m ready for that challenge.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
