Carlee Poole

Kate Virgilio (’28), a 2x state champion walks across the mat after securing a win. “I fell in love with the sport and just stuck with it ever since,” Virgilio said.

Kate Virgilio is a sophomore at Brunswick High School and has recently won states for the second time for her wrestling weight class.

When asked about wrestling and her experience she shared the dedication she’s had since she was young and it’s effects.

“I got involved in wrestling when I was six years old. My mom encouraged me to play a winter sport and introduced me to wrestling as a good way to burn energy as a kid […] One thing I wish I could change about wrestling is the effects of cutting weight and the culture surrounding it. It’s hard to watch your teammates cut weight in such unhealthy ways and no one really says much about it.” 

The 2026 MPSSAA Maryland Public High School Wrestling State Championships was held March 5-7, 2026.  After a rough match, Virgilio won against Rileigh Romberger, a junior at Smithsburg High School with a score of 12-8. The week before states, Virgilio lost to Romberger at regionals.

“Right after winning states I felt so excited and honestly a bit relieved. Going in I had a lot of pressure to succeed after losing to Romberger the week before at regionals, so one I got my hand raised I felt accomplished and could feel the pressure coming off of my shoulders,” Virgilio said.

When she isn’t on the mat, she participates in cross country, flag football and track. Virgilio is a talented multi-sport athlete who is always working hard at both sports and academics. Roaders also see her in both AP and honors classes.

Outside of school, Virgilio hangs out with friends, spends time outside and plays video games. Virgilio’s favorite part of Brunswick is the community and how close everyone is.

“I couldn’t imagine going to a big school and not really knowing my whole school,” Virgilio said.