It was a tale of two wrestlers – one dominant and the other of resilient.

At the March 30 meeting of Katy’s board of trustees, Executive Director of Athletics Lance Carter recognized two very special state champions “that traveled very different paths.”

Carter first introduced Emily Beltran, the 2026 6A wrestling state champion from Katy High School. Beltran closed her high school career by winning her second consecutive state championship in the 105 weight class and finishing as the female wrestler with the most wins in Katy High School history. She graduated with an impressive record of 76 and 28 and was the undefeated two-time state champion with a 97-0 record, Carter said.

Then Carter brought Stephanie Lopez of Mayde Creek High School to the podium. “Stephanie is an incredible testament to resiliency,” he said. The junior had relentless discipline and work ethic on the wrestling mat and delivered it in the most impromptu time in her career, Carter said. Lopez was not the district champion nor the regional champion; but she ran through the state championship and went undefeated, he said. At the state meet, Lopez defeated a long-time rival to whom she had previously lost seven times to claim the title in the 115-pound class. She led her team in pins, wins and points for the season, Carter said, and is on pace to set the school record for career wins and career points in total.