Superpower: Calming young children
Two-time State Wrestling Champion, Preston High School
At just 16, Ava Turner has already made history.
The rising Preston High School junior became the school’s first female state wrestling champion in 2025, along with winning the prestigious Woman of Ironman championship. In 2026, she kept up the momentum, capturing a second straight state title and earning All-American honors at the National High School Coaches Association Tournament.
Turner credits her parents and coaches for helping shape the work ethic that has fueled her success. She started wrestling at age 4 after following her older brother into the sport and quickly learned that effort and accountability go hand in hand.
“I love that your failure is on you, but your success is also on you,” she says.
A standout student with a 4.357 GPA, Turner balances wrestling with soccer, community service, Young Life, and Interact Club activities. She also volunteers with the Preston Mat Club, where she enjoys working with younger wrestlers and helping them build confidence on and off the mat. As girls’ wrestling continues to grow across the region, Turner hopes her accomplishments encourage more young female athletes to give the sport a try.
She’s considering a future in collegiate wrestling, athletic training, or sports broadcasting. No matter where that path leads, she plans to stay involved in athletics and to continue serving as a role model for the next generation of wrestlers.
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Since 2014 WV Living magazine has been honoring West Virginia Wonder Women, amazing women who are raising the bar in their communities, serving as beacons of light in their industries, and forcing change for the greater good. WV Living is proud to celebrate these Appalachian mothers, millennials, and mavens proving that in a time full of uncertainty, divisiveness, and hate, love for one another is all we really need. No need for bulletproof bracelets or a golden lasso of truth—these women are creating a better West Virginia with their can-do attitudes and Mountain State spirit.
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