Panther Valley’s girls wrestlers enter the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations.

And with three-time state champion Brenda Banks beginning her senior year, head coach Kris Nalesnik wants to ensure nothing is left on the table as her historic high school career winds down.

“There’s really not a lot left for me to teach her at this point,” Nalesnik said. “The only thing I hope she leaves with is just that understanding of how the whole experience works. She really is an exceptional person above being a wrestler, and you can see her work ethic both on the mat and in the classroom. I think that’s part of what makes Brenda so unique is she is just like another member of the team. Even though she’s achieved all these high statistical milestones, she doesn’t see herself as any better than anybody else. They’ve all benefited from being together, and she’s benefited just as much from being around them as they have from being around her.”

Banks remains the anchor at 235, and is clearly the centerpiece of the roster, but she’s far from the only standout. In fact, Nalesnik believes the program has the depth to qualify at least three wrestlers for states — and potentially as many as six.

Starting from the lower weights, freshman Jillian Remes is expected to open the lineup at 100, a spot the Panthers haven’t been able to consistently fill in recent seasons.

At 106, junior and first-year wrestler Mya Reyes — also a member of the school’s cheer program — joins after being introduced to the sport through open mats last spring.

“She came to some open mats last year after the season ended and just immediately fell in love with the sport,” Nalesnik said. “She proved why a lot of cheerleaders can become very good wrestlers because they’re disciplined, they work hard, they’re flexible and they just have a certain tenacity that other people don’t have.”

The 112 weight class remains unsettled, but freshman Amelia Spino enters at 118 after posting a 10-10 JV record against boys last season.

A key returner, Ella Vega-Santiago, is back at 124. The 130 spot is still to be determined.

At 136, Adrianna Cabrera moves down after competing at 142 last winter, while Ja’Niyah McGhee steps into the 142 position this year.

At 148, Bailey Snyder and Ashley Williams are battling for the starting spot, and Anelia Bennick returns at 155.

Former state qualifier Alisa Williams enters her senior year looking not only to return to Hershey but to contend for a state title.

The 190 weight class remains undecided.

Banks’ impact on the growth of girls wrestling — both statewide and within the Panther Valley community — is unquestioned. But despite the individual accolades surrounding the roster, Nalesnik said the season will ultimately come down to team results, particularly in dual meets.

“Through the team aspect, if we are able to keep our lineup full, not be giving up forfeits, potentially we could win the majority of our dual meets,” Nalesnik said. “As a team, I think we have the talent to do that. We do have enough talent there that we could do that if all our stars align properly.”

The Lady Panthers open their season Dec. 3 when they travel to Lehighton.