Linn-Mar’s Brielle Parke fulfills wrestling dream

CEDAR RAPIDS — For Brielle Parke, winning a state title was never out of the question. In fact, it always was a possibility.

The Linn-Mar sophomore had set her sights on reaching the top of the podium ... someday. That day came on Sunday, when she won the Division D 132-pound AAU state title.

“I didn’t necessarily think I’d win it here (AAU championships), but on the big stage, too,” she said. “It was awesome to keep pushing myself and wrestling in the offseason.”

Facing a loaded bracket, Parke locked in and was quite relentless. To reach the finals, Parke pinned all of her opponents, including IGHSAU) state runner-up Anna O’Rear, eighth-place finisher Tatum Heaberlin and state qualifier Josie Logan.

For Parke, it didn’t matter who she was wrestling. She used the same mentality each match.

“The match is yours,” Parke said. “As soon as you step on the mat, whatever happens, happens. You’ve just got to keep fighting and moving forward.”

Representing the 2025 AAU state team champions in Sebolt Wrestling Academy, Parke faced a teammate in the final bout, Mariaha Benedict.

A late reversal in the third period sealed the deal, giving Parke an 8-7 win and the coveted state title.

Parke’s coach, Samantha Sebolt, was proud of the effort Parke put forth throughout the tournament.

“She kept wrestling the whole time,” Sebolt said. “She didn’t give up one bit. That’s one of her strengths is that she will grit it out.”

Parke got her start in wrestling from the stands. She was an avid supporter of her brothers’ wrestling careers.

Also wrestling for Linn-Mar, Bryce and Brayden Parke have inspired their sister’s wrestling career. The brother duo wrestle for Coe College and will be competing at the NCAA Division III Championships in Providence, R.I., this weekend.

It was only fitting that Bryce and Brayden were in the arena when their sister won a state title. Bryce was officiating during the tournament, and Brayden was coaching in Brielle’s corner.

Holding back a few tears, Brielle was quick to admit the impact her brothers have had on her wrestling career, especially Brayden.

“I’m really close with my brothers,” Brielle said. “I’ve always cheered for him (Brayden), ever since he was little.

“But, seeing him in my corner and doing the same for me was a great feeling.”

Sebolt had a similar progression with her brother, T.J., who also coaches for Sebolt Wrestling Academy. Sebolt knows how influential Brielle’s brothers have been on her and easily relates to their relationship.

“Her brothers wrestled for my brother,” Samantha said. “We both thrive in the shadows that we live in, and we’re OK with that. The boys set a goal for us to get to together, and she’s challenging her brothers.”

Brielle uses her brothers as motivation for her own wrestling success.

For Linn-Mar, Bryce was a four-time state qualifier and two-time placewinner. Brayden was a three-time state qualifier, two-time placewinner and 2023 finalist. To date, Brielle is a two-time IGHSAU state qualifier and placed fifth in the 2025 state tournament.

And, for the past two weeks, the Alliant Energy PowerHouse became the Parke PowerHouse, as the sibling trio won wrestling titles on back-to-back weekends. Bryce and Brayden won NCAA Region VI titles for the Kohawks on March 1, with Brielle winning her AAU state title a week later.

“I’ve always watched them and wanted to be like them,” Brielle said. “Once it got sanctioned, I knew it was my time to wrestle.

“I’m going to push as hard as I can to be like them.”