Grand Forks KnightRiders' Sky Kopp becomes program's first Division I signee
· Yahoo Sports
Jul. 1—GRAND FORKS — Sky Kopp only started competing in girls wrestling three years ago.
On Wednesday, Kopp became a pioneer of sorts for the sport in the region.
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Kopp signed a letter of intent to compete at NCAA Division I Lindenwood — becoming the program's first Division I signee.
"It feels pretty unreal right now because it's crazy to believe I'm the first one because there's so much talent in North Dakota," said Kopp, who verbally committed to the school in St. Charles, Mo., just a few days ago. "Women's sports is really starting to kick off recently. I feel like there will be a lot of opportunity for this to happen in Grand Forks and go DI. I'm just happy to be part of that and start that for everybody here."
The North Dakota High School Activities Association first sponsored girls wrestling in the 2021-22 school year. Grand Forks has already made a name in the sport, landing college wrestlers at the NAIA level in Allyssa Johnson (Central Methodist) and Emily Novak (University of Jamestown).
"I've seen the numbers grow quite a bit and the competition," Kopp said. "There's a lot of people getting way better just like how I have. It's just a really welcoming environment for more people to start joining wrestling and get out here and try it."
Grand Forks coach Garrett Litzinger, who coaches the Grand Forks Central boys program and the boys and girls Grand Forks Gladiators offseason program, said Kopp's progression took off after some initial timidness.
"I just did a lot of offseason wrestling and did non-stop wrestling since sophomore year," Kopp said. "Anything I can do to get better — extra practices and extra weight-lifting. Everything helps."
Lindenwood went 6-4 in duals last season and 138-pounder Jacinda Espinosa took sixth place at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships, earning All-American status — the first for Lindenwood.
"I went on a tour there and liked the environment, atmosphere and the team they're building," Kopp said. "I'm excited to be part of that."
Kopp, who finished second at 190 pounds at last year's North Dakota state tournament, earned All-American status in March when she finished third at the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa.
"Skye has really grown as a wrestler after the last three years," Litzinger said. "She came in shy. She has really come in to her own. She used to hesitate and was almost scared for live matches but now she flips a switch and does her thing. It's great to watch her grow as a person and wrestler.
"She's very, very strong. I think that overwhelms other girls. They're not used to dealing with that kind of strength."
Kopp will compete in a national meet in Fargo in mid-July as her last high school event before heading off to Lindenwood.