Lincoln-Way West senior Zoe Dempsey had nearly a full year to chart a different path forward.

A two-time state medalist, Dempsey learned the hard way about coping with loss and learning from past mistakes. But it’s also something that has made her into a better wrestler.

“The biggest difference between last year and this year is I’m wrestling more freely,” she said. “I’m having fun. Last year, I put so much pressure on myself, I think it cost me in some matches.

“This year, I’m just happier out there.”

Dempsey was as happy as could be Saturday at the Schaumburg Sectional, winning by pin in the second period over Crystal Lake South’s Annalee Aarseth in the 115-pound championship match.

The Lincoln-Way co-op program produced three finalists and seven state qualifiers in capturing the team title with 140 points.

Lincoln-Way Central’s Zoe Dempsey, right, and Crystal Lake South’s Annalee Aarseth battle in the 115-pound final of the Schaumburg Sectional on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Michael Schmidt / Daily Southtown)

Dempsey now looks to improve on last season’s third-place finish at the individual state meet beginning on Feb. 27 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

According to Lincoln-Way West freshman Caleigh Nicholson, Dempsey has been the ideal role model for her gifted young teammates.

“You can tell that Zoe puts so much care and attention into everything that she does,” said Nicholson, who finished as the sectional runner-up at 125. “Her attitude and the way she approaches practice, for instance, shows why she is so successful.

“She has a great mindset for how she approaches competition.”

Lincoln-Way Central’s Zoe Dempsey, right, takes control against Crystal Lake South’s Annalee Aarseth in the 115-pound final of the Schaumburg Sectional on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Michael Schmidt / Daily Southtown)

Dempsey (45-2) posted three falls in just 7:30 of mat time in the sectional. Her dominant performance was vindicating and erased a bittersweet moment from last season at state.

“The girl pinned me in the semifinals last year,” Dempsey said of Aarseth. “That match stayed with me. I probably thought about it every day and watched it at least once a week.

“It had a big effect on me — pushed me to work harder and not get complacent. It made me want this even more.”

Dempsey finished fifth in the state as a sophomore. Her past efforts have cut like a double-edged sword, though. She was simultaneously thrilled by the experience while also feeling unsatisfied.

Lincoln-Way Central’s Zoe Dempsey, top, works against Crystal Lake South’s Annalee Aarseth in the 115-pound final of the Schaumburg Sectional on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Michael Schmidt / Daily Southtown)

“I feel like there’s a difference between being a state medalist and being a state champion,” Dempsey said. “But it’s not just about the title. It’s about developing, scoring points and enjoying what you’re doing.

“Looking back at my past results, being so close has helped me grow. It’s made me realize how badly I want to be on top this year. That’s how I want to finish my high school career.”

Lincoln-Way West’s Riley DePolo, a senior who finished second in the sectional at 170, noticed a subtle difference in Dempsey’s outlook.

“I definitely see a shift from last year, where she spent so much time with the boys and there’s definitely such a serious nature there,” DePolo said. “With the group of girls we have now, we have so many freshmen, Zoe is just more relaxed.

“She’s still looking professional and serious, but at the same time, she just has this positivity around her.”

Lincoln-Way Central’s Zoe Dempsey, front, finishes off a pin of Crystal Lake South’s Annalee Aarseth in the 115-pound final of the Schaumburg Sectional on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Michael Schmidt / Daily Southtown)

Dempsey came to wrestling from judo, which she started at age 7. She has competed in international judo tournaments in Peru, Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro.

Her judo training, combined with her freestyle training in wrestling last summer, has unlocked all sides. She also has the heart of an artist, with her background in singing and playing the piano.

She also loves to draw.

“I definitely have a creative side,” she said. “I’ve always been someone who gives 100% in whatever I’m doing, whether it’s school, art or sports.

“Wrestling gives me a place to put all of that energy. It’s where I can be myself. If I’ve had a rough day, I can go to practice and wrestle it off. Wrestling has done so much for me.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/16/zoe-dempsey-lincoln-way-west-wrestling/