Makinley Daniels

McLouth sophomore Makinley Daniels continues to build an impressive résumé on the wrestling mat, and she’s doing it in just her second season of high school competition. Daniels is coming off a standout performance at the St. Marys Tournament, where she captured the championship at 130 pounds.

Daniels wasted little time asserting herself early in the tournament, recording multiple first-round pins to advance to the finals. In the championship match, she faced Raegan Irwin of Shawnee Mission Northwest and sealed the title with a third-round pin.

Currently ranked No. 6 in Class 3-2-1A, Daniels is already establishing herself as one of the top wrestlers. She is the reigning NEKL Champion and Regional Champion and is looking to build on a sixth-place finish at the state tournament last season. This year, she owns a 19-2 record, while her career mark now stands at an impressive 44–8.

Daniels’ success extends beyond the mat as well. She maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA, excelling both academically and athletically. With her continued growth, work ethic, and competitive drive, Daniels has quickly become a leader for McLouth and a strong contender as the postseason approaches, making her a deserving Athlete of the Week.