Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge's Mariaha Benedict will be the No. 4 seed in Class 2A at 135 pounds beginning Thursday at the girls state wrestling tournament in Coralville.

When Mariaha Benedict started wrestling as a freshman, she had no idea where the sport would take her.

The Fort Dodge senior is now headed back to the state tournament and has a scholarship waiting to Northwestern College.

“As a freshman, I just kind of went out for fun,” Benedict said. “But that mindset quickly changed when I made my way to the rankings.

“It made me realize that I actually had a chance and could be something big. After that, wrestling just became what I did.”

Benedict is the school’s second trailblazer behind four-time medalist Alexis Ross. Benedict qualified as a freshman in Ross’ final run to silver as a senior.

Now, as a senior herself, the third-ranked 135-pounder will fight for her second medal and targets her first title a year after taking fifth in Coralville.

“It’s definitely hard (given) this is it, but I know that I will be leaving the program in a great spot,” Benedict said. “Knowing that this is my last shot to become the second state champion for Fort Dodge girls wrestling behind Alexis puts some significant pressure on me, but I’ve come to realize it’s a privilege and I have been prepared for this moment.”

Benedict will finish her career atop the Fort Dodge girls wrestling chart for all-time wins. She enters the state tourney with a career mark of 161-35 overall.

“Sure, I want to be seen as a good wrestler,” Benedict said. “But my main goal is to give upcoming girls someone to look up to and a reason to believe that with work, they can do whatever they put their mind to.”

Benedict has been a team leader this season as the Dodger program has surged in numbers. Ross was the trailblazer for the Dodgers after earning a state championship, two silvers and a bronze.

“In the beginning, I really looked up to Alexis and I wanted to be the next girl to accomplish even half of what she did,” Benedict said. “Then, I really just became myself. I wanted to be the best, and that’s what I’ve worked for.

“Having a family that supports me and my goals is a blessing.”

Benedict has been a part of this year’s team that won their first dual ever. The Dodgers had eight dual victories in all for the 2025-26 campaign.

This year’s group has turned in a steady lineup, and with an influx of freshmen, the youngsters have learned behind Benedict.

“Finally having a full team has been truly amazing,” Benedict said. “I love my team. These girls mean so much to me, and I’ve had an amazing time training with and having the honor of leading them.

“We put in the work and we pushed each other to be better every day. This team is special. Definitely one for the books.”

Benedict will be the fourth seed at 135 pounds and begin her chase on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. inside the Xtreme Arena.

“To me, the Red and Black means home,” Benedict said. “It represents the place that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to help grow girls wrestling at Fort Dodge.

“Every time I get the chance to represent it at a high level, I’m reminded that I’m part of something bigger than myself, and that I have a responsibility to leave a positive impact on the community that gave me so much.”

Benedict has also been an integral part of the growth of girls wrestling in general.

“Girls wrestling has grown so much in Iowa, and I’ve been able to be part of that here,” Benedict said. “Being involved in the upswing has meant helping build something that didn’t always exist and representing my school with pride.

“It really means a lot to me to see younger girls in Fort Dodge and across Iowa step on the mat with confidence.”

Benedict will take her skills on the mat and in the classroom to Northwestern College in Orange City, where she will major in physical therapy and potentially sport psychology.

TIMEOUT WITH MARIAHA BENEDICT

Vacation destination: Bahamas.

People I would like to have dinner with: Amit Elor, Bella Mir, Kiley Welker.

It would surprise people that I: am a good singer.

My everyday role model: Jesus.

I can’t go a day without: listening to music.

Nickname: Team Cap; Riaha.

Favorite road trip: the drive to and from Fargo.

Most heated rivalry: Lexa Rozevink of Ames.

What are you listening to right now? “Applying Pressure: Wrestling Mindset Training.”

Favorites…

Song: G.O.A.T by Eric Bellinger.

Team: Iowa.

Athlete: Bella Mir.

Class: Anatomy.

Movie: Daddy’s Home 2.

Binge watch: TikTok.

Phone app: TikTok.