Melissa ISD is proud to celebrate wrestling athlete Malia Griffin and Head Wrestling Coaches Rick Gagarin and Oliver Pierce for earning statewide recognition for their outstanding accomplishments this season.
Junior Malia Griffin was named 2026 Wrestling Athlete of the Year by the Texas Girls Coaches Association, an honor recognizing one of the top female athletes in the state for exceptional performance, leadership, and character throughout the season. Malia also earned the State Championship in her weight class in February, further highlighting an extraordinary year on the mat.
“This award proves something simple: when preparation meets opportunity, dominance happens,” said Malia, reflecting on the season that earned her the recognition. “I didn’t just wrestle this season; I controlled it.”
Girls Wrestling Head Coach Rick Gagarin received the 2026 Wrestling Coach of the Year Award for 4A-6A from the Texas Girls Coaches Association. The honor recognizes outstanding girls' coaches across Texas who demonstrate exceptional leadership while guiding their teams to competitive success and making a meaningful impact on the growth of female student-athletes and their programs. Coach Gagarin expressed his gratitude for the recognition, “This award is a great honor, and I am thrilled to have been chosen for Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year.”
Boys Wrestling Head Coach Oliver Pierce was also honored with the 2026 5A Boys Coach of the Year Award from the Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association. The award recognizes coaches who demonstrate outstanding leadership, competitive success, and a strong commitment to developing student-athletes while advancing the sport of wrestling in Texas.
Coach Pierce thanked those involved for the honor, “I appreciate the support from our admin and our parents. Melissa is a special place to be and these awards are not possible without commitment from all parties. As our school and community continues to grow I look forward to the challenge of making our kids elite on and off the mat.”
Congratulations to our outstanding coaches and student-athlete on this well-deserved recognition. Your dedication to our wrestling program and commitment to excellence continue to make a meaningful impact across Team Melissa.