North Linn’s Kylee Shoop fits in as a ranked wrestler and leader at West Delaware

WILLIAMSBURG — Kylee Shoop accomplished a rare feat during the 2022-2023 school year.

In track and field, Shoop qualified for the state meet for North Linn. And, on the wrestling mat, she punched her ticket to the inaugural Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s state tournament with West Delaware.

This type of scenario and competing for neighboring schools is a reality for many female wrestlers across the state. It’s these types of opportunities that allow schools without a girls’ wrestling program to still participate in the sport.

Shoop will admit the co-op process isn’t easy, but the chance to wrestle for West Delaware is one she enjoys.

“It’s hard, but it’s also fun,” Shoop said. “Co-oping with such a great team and having a such a fun experience makes it totally worth it.”

West Delaware Coach Dale Meyer is leaving the door at West Delaware open for any other Lynx who may want to join the Hawks’ girls’ team.

“We’ve told Kylee that if there are other girls from North Linn, they can come and be part of our program, too,” Meyer said.

Shoop is one of the leaders for the Hawks this season and is off to a dominant start with three tournament titles: South Tama, Elkader Central and Williamsburg.

In the latter, she ran into a familiar foe in sixth-ranked Destiny Krum of East Buchanan, who pinned Shoop at the Independence Girls Invitational on Nov. 18.

Fast forward to Monday and the Williamsburg Girls Invitational finals match at 130 pounds — this time, it was Shoop who put Krum on her back, getting a fall in 3:16.

“I was preparing for this match all week,” Shoop said. “I went in with a game plan and just kept fighting. I was proud of how I hand fought and controlled the match. I had a gas tank and kept going. I didn’t let her get me.”

Shoop broke into the Nov. 27 edition of the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA)’s rankings at the No. 9 spot at 130.

Between her top-10 ranking and victorious start to the season, Meyer knows Shoop is one of West Delaware’s leaders.

“She has all of the physical tools,” Meyer said. “She’s an outstanding leader and a really good wrestler. Kylee is a great example of how good you can get when you come in and work hard.

“She earns everything she gets, and it’s contagious.”

As for Shoop, she’s found a family in her West Delaware team.

“Love it,” Shoop said. “We have a great environment, and we get along. I’m just proud of the entire team.”

The Hawks are flying in the right direction, but are staying focused on improvement.

“We aren’t focused on winning and losing, but getting better,” Meyer said. “If we keep doing that, then we are going to build something special.”

As for Shoop, she’s looking to continue her winning ways, setting her sights on the postseason and eyeing more tournament titles.

“I’m really looking to be a regional champ and place at state,” Shoop said. “I’ve been working towards it for a while.”