Emily Riopel’s relentless drive and groundbreaking achievements are redefining the landscape of women’s wrestling, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Emily Riopel has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young talents in American women’s wrestling. Hailing from Laurens, South Carolina, Riopel has made a name for herself through years of dedication on the mat, earning both state and national recognition before embarking on her collegiate wrestling journey. Her story is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the growing prominence of women in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Facts about Emily Riopel
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Emily Riopel |
| Hometown | Laurens, South Carolina |
| High School | Laurens High School (Graduated 2025) |
| High School Team | Laurens Raiders |
| Weight Class | 165–182 lbs (Heavyweight) |
| Notable Achievements | 4× State Placer, 2023 Super 32 – 8th, 2024 NHSCA All-American – 8th, #24 National Ranking |
| College | Randolph College (Class of 2029) |
| College Team | Randolph Wildcats (Women’s Wrestling) |
| Major | Sports and Exercise Studies |
| Hobbies | Reading fantasy novels, drinking coffee |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Laurens, South Carolina, Emily Riopel spent her formative years in District 55, attending Laurens High School. From a young age, she demonstrated a passion for wrestling, participating in the sport throughout middle school and continuing through high school for a total of six competitive years.
At Laurens High, Riopel became a central figure on the Raiders wrestling team. Her dedication to rigorous training, combined with natural talent, allowed her to excel in the heavyweight classes, typically competing around 165–170 pounds. By the time she graduated in 2025, Riopel had established herself as a standout athlete both in her state and on the national stage.
High School Wrestling Career
Emily Riopel’s high school wrestling career was marked by consistent excellence and impressive achievements. She became a four-time state tournament placer, medaling each year at the South Carolina Girls State Championships. One of her most notable accomplishments came in 2023, as a sophomore, when she finished 2nd place at 182 pounds.
Beyond state-level success, Riopel also made her mark nationally. At the 2023 Super 32 Wrestling Classic, a prestigious annual tournament drawing top competitors from across the United States, she secured 8th place in the girls’ division.
In freestyle wrestling, Riopel earned All-American honors at the 2024 USA Wrestling National Preps (NHSCA) Girls High School Championships, finishing 8th in the 165-pound category. Her national recognition extended into rankings, as she was placed #24 in the U.S. at 170 pounds in early 2025.
Her high school career also featured top finishes in regional competitions, including the Upper State Championship in 2024, along with numerous dual-meet victories. These accomplishments cemented her reputation as one of South Carolina’s top female wrestlers.
Collegiate Career and Randolph College
Upon graduating in 2025, Emily Riopel committed to Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia, joining the Class of 2029. Randolph College, an NCAA Division III school, had recently launched a women’s wrestling program, and Riopel became part of its inaugural roster.
At Randolph, she enrolled as a first-year student majoring in Sports and Exercise Studies while continuing her wrestling career with the Randolph Wildcats. Her decision to join Randolph reflected both athletic ambition and academic consideration, as Riopel valued the college’s flexible academic programs.
Her collegiate tenure coincides with a historic moment in women’s wrestling, as the NCAA officially recognized women’s wrestling as a championship sport starting in 2026. Riopel’s presence in Randolph’s first female wrestling class highlights her role as a pioneer in this emerging era of collegiate athletics.
Achievements and Honors
Throughout her high school career, Emily Riopel accumulated numerous accolades that showcase her skill and dedication:
Four-time South Carolina state tournament placer: Medaled all four years, including 2nd place at 182 lbs in 2023.
2023 Super 32 Wrestling Classic: Finished 8th nationally in girls’ division.
2024 NHSCA All-American: 8th place in the 165-pound bracket at the USA Wrestling National Preps Championships.
National ranking: Ranked #24 in the U.S. at 170 lbs in early 2025.
College commitment: Signed to wrestle at Randolph College, joining their pioneering women’s wrestling program.
These milestones, along with victories in regional tournaments and dual meets, have positioned Riopel as one of the premier female wrestlers in South Carolina and a rising talent on the national stage.
Personal Interests and Academic Focus
Outside of wrestling, Riopel maintains a balanced lifestyle with academic and personal pursuits. She enjoys reading fantasy novels and savoring coffee, activities that provide relaxation and focus outside the intense demands of competitive wrestling.
Her choice to major in Sports and Exercise Studies aligns naturally with her athletic background, positioning her for future endeavors in sports performance, coaching, or health and wellness fields.
The Future of Emily Riopel
As Emily Riopel begins her collegiate wrestling career at Randolph College, the trajectory of her journey promises continued growth and success. Her accomplishments in high school provide a strong foundation for national-level competition in the NCAA. Beyond athletic achievements, Riopel’s role in the first generation of female college wrestlers signifies her contribution to the expanding recognition and opportunities for women in the sport.
With her combination of skill, dedication, and academic focus, Emily Riopel is poised to make an enduring impact on women’s wrestling and inspire the next generation of athletes.
