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Previous Hidden Gems Spotlights:

Jason Mara, Meridian
Matthew Martino, Bishop Kelly
Kolter Burton, American Falls
Daniel and Gabriel Rosales, Mountain Home
Manuel and Carlos Valdez, Bishop Kelly
Shilo Jones, Mountain View
Clare Waite, Boise
Talen Eck, Thunder Ridge
Bowen and Riley Brunson, Buhl
Aiden McGinnis, Mountain View
Joely Slyter, Lewiston
Tyson Barnhart, Post Falls
Amie Hartman, Mountain Home
Elise Twait, Meridian
Jeremiah Gonzalez, Meridian
Wallace Durfee, Declo
Zoey Fries, Kuna
Saxton Scott, Idaho Falls
Caddy Tverdy, Garden Valley
Sean Hall, Canyon Ridge
Ian Avalos, Mountain View

Next up in my "Hidden Gems" series is Keanna Conrad, a dynamic junior from Blackfoot High School in southeast Idaho. Keanna's pre-season resume for 2025-'26 is stellar, boasting a collection of state, regional, and national honors. This exceptional student-athlete is not only considered one of Idaho's premier lightweights, but also a top-25-ranked national competitor.

As the new season commences, here is an update on the current status of girls’ wrestling at the prep level. The sport has experienced rapid, unprecedented growth in recent years, with nationwide participation nearly doubling between the 2019-‘20 and 2024-‘25 school years. The total number of participants surged from approximately 32,000 in 2020 to over 74,000 by 2025, an increase of more than 40,000 wrestlers. This makes girls’ wrestling the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation, including a notable single-season 55% spike in 2021-‘22. Following the general rise in wrestling participation, Idaho experienced a significant increase in certified wrestlers, going from 111 participants in 2020 to 881 in 2025.

The Idaho prep wrestling scene has seen more than just a jump in numbers; the talent level of incoming athletes has rapidly elevated the competition as well. The class of 2027 stands out as one of the strongest groups since the state began sanctioned state tournaments in 2022 (following open tournaments from 2019 to 2021). This class includes several nationally ranked individuals, and three girls are currently on track to win a potential third or fourth state title. Keanna, a prominent figure in this talented cohort, has already set herself apart as an elite wrestler within the state.

Keanna found her calling in wrestling early on. Though exposed to many other sports and extracurriculars since age seven, when her mother first took her to a local wrestling club, it was wrestling that truly captured her interest. Keanna achieved significant success early in her wrestling career, excelling in local, state, regional, and national competitions. Before starting at Blackfoot, for instance, she secured championships in her age group at prestigious events like the Western States, Northwest Regional, and Western Regional championships. In 2022, she further demonstrated her prowess by earning her first All-American honor, finishing fourth at the USMC Women's Nationals.

Advancing to a higher level in wrestling is challenging, and past victories do not guarantee future success. As for Keanna, she made an immediate impact upon entering the Blackfoot high school wrestling program. She quickly established herself among the state's elite, delivering outstanding performances and winning titles at top tournaments including the Tiger-Grizz, Jaybird, and Rollie Lane Invitational, where she was also named "Outstanding Wrestler" at each event. With an undefeated record, Keanna swept both the district and state championships in the postseason.

Keanna achieved significant success in her freshman season and continued to pursue high-level competition outside Idaho. She added to her accolades by winning both the Western States Championships in folkstyle and freestyle, where she also received "Outstanding Wrestler" honors. Furthermore, Keanna earned her second and third All-American honors at national competitions, along with her first national title at the 16U USAW Folkstyle Nationals.

Keanna's second season was just as successful as her first. She remained dominant throughout the year, winning the Rollie Lane Invitational, the Jaybird, and the Tiger-Grizz, where she was named "Outstanding Wrestler" at all three events. She went on to win another District V-VI title.

Keanna's sophomore state championship bid was a true test of grit. Though she'd dominated the early rounds, the final pitted her against Kyler Scott of Century High, a formidable two-time state placer and All-American. The match was a grueling, intense battle that remained locked in a scoreless tie through the end of the third round. Keanna, undaunted, ended the suspense quickly in overtime: a perfectly executed "blast double" takedown secured her second consecutive state title and capped a pristine, two-year undefeated record of 82-0.

In the course of developing this article, I was afforded the opportunity to speak with Blackfoot head coach Stephen Adams regarding Keanna's journey on the mat. According to Coach Adams, “Over the years coaching and being around Keanna it’s obvious the love she has for competition and the sport of wrestling. Her talent is only seen once in a generation and it’s coupled with a drive that can take her to the DI ranks and beyond. I am blessed to be one of the few people she calls coach.”

Beyond her success in the wrestling circle, Keanna is a high-achieving student. She has achieved honor roll every year at Blackfoot, maintaining a 3.9 GPA as she works toward a perfect 4.0. Keanna plans to pursue collegiate opportunities in both academics and athletics. She is currently focused on training intensely for her upcoming junior season, aiming to defend her state title and achieve her next major goal: a strong performance and high placement at the prestigious Junior Fargo Nationals.

What makes Keanna's story so inspiring is her quiet strength. She is soft-spoken about her accomplishments, letting her commitment and hard work provide the powerful, defining voice of her journey. It was a privilege to conduct this exclusive interview, delving into her remarkable success on the wrestling mat and in her studies. As she prepares for the upcoming season and her future endeavors, I wish her the best. This interview provides an in-depth look at her journey, highlighting her wrestling prowess, academic accomplishments, and extracurricular pursuits. Follow your Dreams!!

Q&A INTERVIEW WITH KEANNA CONRAD

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING?

KEANNA – I got involved in wrestling when I was 7-years-old. I was trying out different sports to get an idea of what I could have a passion for. My mom found wrestling and placed me into practices and through time I grew that passion for it.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN WRESTLING?

KEANNA – My biggest influence in wrestling has been my coach, Brock Zollinger. He was there to always correct my style of wrestling when it came to my size since I have always been a small wrestler. I've always admired him because he travels to a lot of places and he has also refereed at the Olympics. He has his own gym, and is an amazing coach to the younger athletes.

HAVING HAD SOME SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR WRESTLING CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

KEANNA –  My training routine currently is attending wrestling practices at Blackfoot High. I like to do cardio and weightlifting outside of practices. I also train at East Idaho Elite four to five times a week. My outlook in the future ahead is I continue to push myself to grow in order to be a better individual and wrestler. I want to conquer all challenges that I will face in the near future.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS AT BLACKFOOT HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND?

KEANNA – My academic goals moving forward is to obtain and maintain a 4.0 GPA, if not better this year through next. I am planning to start college courses this next school year.

DO YOU HAVE AMBITIONS OF COMPETING IN COLLEGE OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION?

KEANNA – My ambitions are to compete in college at the University of Iowa. I want to push myself to try to be able to compete at the international level with a goal of heading to the Olympics. 

IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE-LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH, OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?

KEANNA – I aspire to be like Kennedy Blades; she is an Olympic medalist with an impressive history in wrestling.

WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?

KEANNA – Some important life lessons I have learned in wrestling that I apply in my day to day life are discipline, resilience, dedication, and working hard for what you want. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?

KEANNA – I would give advice to any young wrestlers that wants to be successful in wrestling. For example, What you put into it, is what you will get out of it.  As long as you put in the dedication, listen to your coaches, and do it all with passion, you will succeed at what you put your mind and heart to.

DO YOU HAVE A SAYING, MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?

KEANNA –  I live by wrestling or anything in life to do it for fun, because once you stop doing it for the fun of it, then you've lost your passion. 

ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING?

KEANNA – I plan to stay involved with wrestling by opening up a girls youth club to train them in ways that helped me succeed. 

OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES, SPORTS, AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

KEANNA – Outside of wrestling I am involved in school soccer. One of my hobbies that I am finding a passion for is photography. I like to plan family events and get togethers. These are a few of the things I enjoy the most. 

IF PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO GROW WRESTLING AT THE GRASSROOTS AND PREP LEVELS FOR GIRLS?

KEANNA – If given the opportunity, I would like to train younger girls to succeed in the sport and continue to grow/expand the girls and women's divisions. I want to make an impact on the sport. I am currently helping my little sister train to become a better wrestler and to succeed at it. I also help teach others whether it is my teammates at Blackfoot or at tournaments. 

KEANNA’S ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC PROFILE

SCHOOL: Blackfoot H.S. (Girls Division)

GRADE: Junior (Class of 2027)

WRESTLING CLUB: East Idaho Elite (EIE)

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES:

• – Current GPA: 3.9
• – Honor Roll Student, 2024, ‘25

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

• – Photography, Soccer

WRESTLING ACCOLADES:

• – 2x Idaho High School State Champion, 2024-‘25 *OW (82-0 Record)
• – 2x IHSAA District V-VI Champion, 2024-‘25
• – 2x Tiger-Grizz Champion, 2024-’25 *OW (2x)
• – 2x Jaybird Invitational Champion, 2024-’25 *OW (2x)
• – 2x Rollie Lane Invitational Champion, 2024-’25 *OW (2x)
• – 2x Big Mountain Invitational Champion, 2024-‘25
• – Western States Championships Folkstyle Champion, 2024
• – Western States Championships Freestyle Champion *OW, 2024
• – Western States Greco-Roman Championships – 4th Place, 2024
• – Women`s U17 National Championships (ALL-AMERICAN), 2024
• – PNL Nebraska 16U Freestyle Champion, 2024
• – USAW Northwest 16U Regional Freestyle Champion, 2024
• – USAW Northwest JR Regional Freestyle Champion, 2024
• – USAW Northwest 16U Greco-Roman Regional – 3rd Place, 2024
• – USAW Junior Folkstyle Nationals (ALL-AMERICAN), 2024
• – USAW 16U Folkstyle National Champion (ALL-AMERICAN) *OW, 2024
• – Idaho High School State Champion, 2024 (43-0 Record)
• – Madison Invitational Champion, 2024
• – Ririe Rumble Champion, 2024
• – Idaho Freestyle State Championships – 3rd Place, 2023
• – USMC Women's Nationals – 4th Place (ALL-AMERICAN), 2023
• – USA Wrestling Western Regional Champion, 2022
• – 16U/JR Northwest Freestyle Champion, 2022
• – USA Western States Champion, 2021