Angel Lee Makes History, Becomes First Lenoir County Girl to Qualify for NCHSAA State Championships

Angel Lee Makes History, Becomes First Lenoir County Girl to Qualify for NCHSAA State Championships

North Lenoir junior Angel Lee has never backed down from a challenge.

Now, she’s headed to the biggest stage in high school wrestling.

Lee placed second at the NCHSAA Girls Regional Championships at South Davidson High School, becoming the first female wrestler in North Lenoir history — and the first from Lenoir County — to qualify for the NCHSAA State Championships. The state tournament will be held Feb. 19–21 in Greensboro.

Lee entered the regional tournament as the No. 3 seed in a 16-girl bracket at 107 pounds after cutting down from 114. The move required discipline and sacrifice, but it paid off in a major way.

Her path to the finals was dominant.

Round 1 — win by pin.
Round 2 — win by pin.
Round 3 — win by pin.

Three matches. Three falls. A trip to the regional championship secured.

Lee ultimately finished second after falling in the title match, but the finals appearance punched her ticket to Greensboro in her first-ever trip to states as a junior.

It’s another milestone in what has already been a historic season. Lee is now third all-time at North Lenoir for single-season wins and earlier this year stood alone as the program’s only female wrestler, competing against both girls and boys. She has embraced that challenge all season, growing from a quiet competitor into one of the team’s leaders.

North Lenoir coach Jeff Yourdon said her success is a product of consistent work.

“Angel put in the work all year, put in the work to cut to 107 and finish Regionals with 2nd place. She has qualified for the state tournament. Hard work in practice and out of practice is what it takes! I know she will work hard next week to get ready for Thursday.”

From being the lone girl in the Hawks’ room to making county history, Angel Lee has carried the banner for her program all season.