Ana Malovich One of PA Pioneers In Girls Wrestling; Signs to Continue Career at Grand Valley State University

Girls and women’s wrestling throughout the United States continues to rise. Though Pennsylvania may be a bit behind others in having their high school governing body sanction girls wrestling, it has not stopped several young women from wrestling with the boys or seeking competition out of state. One of these young ladies who has pursued wrestling hard is Butler High School senior Ana Malovich, a signee of Grand Valley State University women’s wrestling as a part of their 2024 incoming class.

(Photos courtesy of Tony Rotundo) Malovich began her high school career wrestling with the boys, but had the opportunity to wrestle in the girls wrestling PIAA postseason for the first time in 2023. She also had a choice to make whether to wrestle for the boys’ or girls’ team for her senior year. But she was a part of the first ever Butler girls wrestling team; a team that has nearly a dozen girls on the roster this season. No matter who she is wrestling or with what team, she has proven to be a legit competitor. And a true pioneer for girls wrestling in the state of Pennsylvania. She was one of the few girls she saw competing growing up, but in recent years, this trend has changed. More young women are hitting the wrestling room to at least give the sport a shot. Many of them even find that same passion that Malovich has for the sport. “I started wrestling when I was four or five-years-old. When I first started, I was one of few girls that wrestled in my area. It was tough, but wrestling has grown so much since I started and being a part of how much it has grown is amazing. I’ve loved to see the growth and how many girls are joining and trying it out.” In recent years, Malovich has become quite a decorated wrestler. The Golden Tornado senior has become a two-time Junior-Gold All-American in Fargo, North Dakota with Team Pennsylvania, a Women of Ironman Champion in Ohio earlier this month, a Junior Duals All-American, a high school recruiting showcase All-American, a freestyle wrestling state champion, and a third-place finisher in girls’ states as a high school junior. In her high school wrestling career with the boys, she also has won 51 career matches in three seasons, qualified for the WPIAL postseason, and made it to the regional tournament in class AAA. It may be early into her senior season, but Malovich hopes to capture state gold in the first season of sanctioned girls wrestling in the PIAA. It’s one of several goals this season, but one other among the top include getting as prepared as possible to begin her college career in 2024 with Grand Valley State and head coach Jake Short. Malovich will be on the first ever team in Lakers history as the program is launching for the 2024-25 school year. “I loved the campus and Coach Short is an amazing person and coach. It felt like home there as soon as I went and I think he will help me reach my goals. I appreciate that one of my friends, Vayle Baker (King’s College Women’s Wrestling) was looking out for me and told me about Coach Short and that I would really enjoy competing for him.” Malovich also chose Grand Valley State, an NCAA Division II institution in Allendale Charter Township, Michigan because it has a strong education program and is the home to a brand new athletic complex that was unveiled earlier in 2023. This complex, named the Harris Family Athletic Complex, is home to a regional training center for wrestling for men and women. It assists wrestlers in their pursuits both in college and beyond. The Butler County native is hopeful to wrestle not just in college, but again on the national stage and even the international stage after her college career wraps up. Ana has had an incredible group of coaches to learn from and push her over the years. She credits her coaches Sunny Abe, Matt McCusker, Paul Roth, Nathan Bottienger, Scott Stoner, Fred Powell, and Tom Tomeo for all making a profound impact on her athletic career. Malovich is also grateful for the support she has had from her parents, Dave and Jessica Malocich. Without their investment and belief in her, this fine wrestling career she has had would not be possible. In the world of wrestling, many know Ana Malovich is a fierce competitor and absolutely loves the sport. She is fearless on the mat and hopes many little girls will grow up to be like or even better than her. As senior year continues, Malovich hopes she can reach her goals as well as continue to grow the sport for years to come in Pennsylvania and beyond. Best of luck as you continue your career, Ana!