After winning a state championship last season as a sophomore, Lockport’s Claudia Heeney knew every other wrestler in the state was coming for her this time around.
While the pressure was certainly ramped up, Heeney wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“I feel like there were a lot more nerves going into it this season,” she said. “I feel like I get looks at tournaments because people know who I am now, but I don’t think it’s a lot different from others.
“I know people want to come out and beat me, so it’s fun taking on that challenge.”
Heeney handled every challenger that came her way. The junior went undefeated against in-state competition, finished 46-2 overall and became a two-time state champion when she beat Prospect’s Viola Pianetto 6-0 in the 135-pound championship match.
Heeney also repeated in another category. She’s the 2024-25 Daily Southtown Girls Wrestler of the Year, earning the honor for the second straight season.
And she had a bit more fun along the way this winter.
As a sophomore, Heeney missed five weeks with a broken thumb. She returned with a singular focus on avenging her loss in the state championship match as a freshman.
This season, Heeney enjoyed every step of the journey. And she was able to soak in the state experience a bit more.
“Last year was definitely more of a blur,” she said. “I only remember the end result. I don’t remember the tournament at all. This year, I’d say there were more expectations — not necessarily from myself, but it felt like other people had expectations on me.
“All during the week leading up to state, I was practicing positive self-talk and building myself up so I could come out here and do what I’m meant to do.”
Heeney was untouchable in the postseason. In 11 matches, she won nine by pin and one by major decision, along with the 6-0 decision in the state championship match.
Lockport coach Nate Roth is certainly accustomed to seeing Heeney in control.
“I don’t think she had any points scored on her in the whole state finals and very few in the whole state series,” Roth said. “I think she might have gotten taken down once in the whole postseason.
“She’s super dominant. That’s how she does it. She’s been working super hard for so many years and it shows.”
And about those expectations for a repeat? Well, they were nothing that would derail Heeney.
“There was definitely more pressure on me this season and I felt it for sure,” Heeney said. “I knew a lot was expected of me. But I didn’t let it bother me and I stayed confident in myself.
“I knew I could do this again.”
Heeney has been the ultimate role model for her teammates, including fellow junior Sophie Kelner.
“Watching Claudia wrestle is amazing and I’ve learned so much from her,” Kelner said. “She’s the one who got me into wrestling and she helped me so much, especially when I was a freshman.
“She’s such a great leader for all the girls on the team and we all look up to her.”
Heeney has helped the Porters become one of the state’s top programs in the early history of girls wrestling as an Illinois High School Association sport.
Last season, Lockport was the runner-up when the IHSA awarded team state trophies for the first time. This winter, the Porters just missed a trophy, finishing fourth.
Heeney still has one more season to add to individual and team accomplishments. And you can bet she will still be just as hungry.
“She wants more,” Roth said. “She just wants to keep improving, keep getting better, not getting complacent.”
So, what’s her offseason look like?
“Just putting in the work, practicing every day, sometimes three hours a day,” Heeney said. “Keep pushing, keep grinding.”
