"Since I started wrestling, this is what I’ve wanted—to make a world team and wrestle on the biggest stage. I’m grateful for the opportunity and honored to represent the United States in Bulgaria this summer."

Dani Nugent '25 2025 USA Wrestling National Champion

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Dani Nugent presented with her national title award

Dani Nugent on top of the podium

Despite a young career most wrestlers could only dream of, this year alone she won Beast of the East, New England Prep, and National Prep titles, one goal had eluded Dani Nugent '25. In her two previous trips to USA Wrestling's National Championships, Nugent had seasons hampered by injuries and had not placed.

This year's path to a USA Wrestling title also looked like a long one, at least in the brackets. Despite being ranked #2 nationally at 140 lbs in the April 3rd USA Wrestling high school rankings, Nugent entered this past weekend's USA Wrestling Women's Nationals/U20 World Team Trials in Spokane, Washington as the 11th seed in the 65 kg division.

On Saturday, the Andover wrestler stunned the competition by pinning all five of her opponents, including a decisive victory over the #1 ranked high school wrestler in her weight class and subsequent pins against two collegiate athletes in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Her momentum continued on Sunday as she triumphed in a best two-out-of-three finals against a collegiate wrestler and the reigning U20 National Champion.

This victory earned her the national crown and secured Nugent's place on the U20 National Team, making her a World Team member who will represent the United States at the U20 World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, in August.

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Nugent (right) in action during her title run

"Dani Nugent is a fighter. Her first three years of her high school wrestling career was hampered by knee injuries, which prevented her from competing at or placing at these really high level national tournaments. Senior year Dani Nugent came back with something to prove and she’s done it. She won Beast of the East in December; became the first female wrestler to win New England preps four times; 3x National Prep Champion; and now she caps off her high school career as a World Team Member. She’s worked so hard and she’s so deserving of this opportunity. We are incredibly proud of her."

Kassie Bateman '06 Head Coach, Phillips Academy Wrestling

Champion Interview: Dani Nugent talks title post-match
"I have been fortunate to witness Dani Nugent’s journey over her four years at Andover. Even among our most accomplished student-athletes, Dani stands out. For those who know Dani best, this achievement is both a celebration of her relentless passion for and pursuit of wrestling—and, in many ways, no surprise. Indeed, the sky is the limit for Dani. The entire Andover community will be cheering her on every step of the way as she represents Team USA this summer in Bulgaria."

Lisa Joel Director of Athletics

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