CHICAGO (CBS) — Now in the program’s fourth year, Aurora University women’s wrestling has seen a steady increase in numbers and success, with four of their five All-Americans from last year returning.
That includes Lexi Janiak, a Plainfield South graduatewhose talent helps shine a light on an emerging college sport.
“She is definitely a trailblazer, not only for the state of Illinois, but for our program,” said Aurora University women’s wrestling coach Justin Pearch.
Lexi was introduced to wrestling at a young age through her younger brother, Matthew.
“I went to all the tournaments, all the practices, and one day I asked my dad, I thought, ‘I want to do that too,’ and I’ve always had that competitive spirit no matter where it was.” like I wanted to be better at it than him,” she said.
She started wrestling in the second grade, and it didn’t take long for that competitiveness to shine through.
“Around 7th grade I was put in the boys division, and I remember that being huge for me because it showed that all my hard work was paying off, and that was at a time when there weren’t many girl wrestlers at all,” she said.
But Lexi persevered and finished a historic career at Plainfield South before starring at Aurora University, where she became a two-time All-American as a junior.
“I mean the personality, the character, who she is on and off the mat; but her true love for wrestling. She does all of this because she wants to be the best,” Pearch said.
“We are here every day, if not twice a day, training and looking for little details that can take you to the next level.”
She continues to raise her level each year as the top wrestler in the country, whether it be winning the Midlands Championship with the Aurora University Spartans, or medals for Team USA.
“For her to make two world teams in a row and take home two world medals is huge at any level. There are very few spots. You’re talking about 10 in each age group every year,” Pearch said.
Lexi’s individual success helps a young women’s wrestling program in more ways than one.
“Women’s wrestling took off in college wrestling, and it blew up very quickly. We started with smaller numbers, but over the next few years we’ve had tremendous success, starting with one individual,” Pearch said. “We’ve done a fantastic job for our program, bringing in more numbers and more talent.”
Ultimately, Lexi plans to continue using her talents to make a difference.
“Go to the Olympics, win the Olympics, win world championships, but once that’s said and done, I want to be a D1 women’s wrestling coach. Because it’s so young now, we don’t have that many girls coaches now, and I want them just helping,” Lexi said.
Lexi calls her brother her rock growing up.
In addition to wrestling, they both also played football. Lexi dropped out in 6th grade, Matthew is a linebacker at North Central College and helped them to a national championship this year.
