Since Kindergarten, Stratford resident Macey Kilty has been wrestling right alongside the boys, and dominating.
After watching her older brother wrestle, she wanted to give it a try. When her brother tired of the sport after a few practices, Kilty’s parents passed down his shoes and Macey’s career began. Though a male-dominant sport, Kilty has excelled on the mat ever since.
Now ten years later, at just 15 years-old, she holds the title of USA Wrestling Champion and soon she will compete on the world stage.
After becoming only the second female to qualify and reach the WIAA state wrestling finals in Wisconsin history, she traveled to Irving, Texas to compete in the Body Bar Women’s Nationals, there qualifying for the USA world wrestling team.
In July, she competed in the ASICS Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, there being crowned USA Wrestling Cadet National FS Champion.
Other accomplishments include 1st at Girls Folkstyle Nationals in Oklahoma City, 1st at Asics/Vaughan National Championships in Cadet (held in Fargo, South Dakota), and 3rd at Asics/Vaughan National Championships in Juniors (112) (also held in Fargo). She was First Team All Academic for Crossface, First Team All Academic for female high school wrestlers, and number 3 in the Future Olympian overall rankings for Cadets (and number 1 at 115).
Next, she will represent Team USA at the Cadet Women’s Wrestling World Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia (a country bordering Russia).
“I enjoy wrestling because it is challenging, fun and I get to travel the world while doing something I love,” said Kilty. “I am excited to get the opportunity to compete in a different country, and to be able to compete for a World Championship for my country.”
Training involves a lot of hard work. Macey has a strict diet, as well as a dedication to cardio, strength training, and perfection of technique. Along with yoga, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and core workouts, Macey also trains three times per week at Total Body Fitness in Marshfield with personal trainer Kris Schulte.
“Boxing has always been my passion,” said Schulte, who works with Macey on Mitt Fit, which assists with developing hip power, improves footwork to move and circle an opponent, and strengthens the fast twitch fibers allowing for quick hand movements.
Though Macey is strong and athletic, Schulte notes that it’s her passion and drive that takes her that extra step.
“The big thing with Macey is more the mindset. She’s able to stay so focused on so many levels,” he said. “What impresses me most is her ability to set a goal and achieve it. I think she can accomplish anything she wants to. She’s amazing, she really is.”
Macey is thankful for the support of her coaches and family.
“I have an awesome support group,” she said. “My parents and coaches really motivate me to keep challenging myself physically and mentally.”
“Keeping positive people around Macey that have her best interests is and will continue to be one of the biggest factors to her continued success in preparation for all of her competitions,” said Macey’s mother, Keresa. “The mental part of this sport is huge and having the support staff Macey has in her corner is second to none. Kevin Black, Dennis Hall, Brian Koonce, Joe Ramsey, and Joel Berrens are the people that are involved and will continue to be a part of Macey’s journey.”
Naturally, her family is very proud of her accomplishments. However, most of all, they are proud of her dedication, determination, and work ethic to the sport of wrestling.
“Macey has made a commitment to wrestling and she knows that there will be sacrifices along the way, sacrifices she is willing to make,” said Keresa. “Ultimately she knows if she makes these sacrifices (intense training, diet, travel, etc.) the rewards will pay off.”
Keresa added that traveling alongside her daughter has been an awesome experience.
“It has been so amazing. We have traveled all over the US and now internationally and met the most amazing people (coaches, teammates, families, etc.),” she said. “We are truly blessed and grateful everyday for family, friends and health!
Macey hopes to continue wrestling for many years to come. “My goal for the future is to compete at the highest level while traveling the world wrestling for my country,” she said. “Once I’m old enough I would like to attend a college that offers women’s wrestling.”
Macey’s upcoming competitions include:
1. Cadet Worlds / Tbilisi, Georgia / September 15th
2. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu competition in Hudson WI / October 8th
3. Developmental camp in Phoenix Arizona / December 27th-30th and from there to Vancouver, Canada for more training and International competition until January 6th.
4. Developmental camp in New York, New York / February 9 – 12 and from there to Klippan, Sweden to compete in an international tournament and train until February 22nd.
5. Folkstyle Nationals / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to compete again in both Cadet and Junior divisions. / March 23 – 26th
6. Body Bar Women’s Nationals / May 18th – 21st ?/ Irving, Texas / Try to make her 2nd World Team
7. Asics/Vaughan National Championships / Fargo, SD / Attempt to win both Cadet and Junior titles
