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NILES — A local grappler is taking her talents to the next level.

Niles wrestler Maddison Ward signed with Grand Valley State University Monday to compete for the school’s women’s wrestling team.

Ward, a senior, will join the Lakers’ women’s wrestling team in 2025, a year after its inaugural season. She will wrestle for new coach Jake Short, who was tabbed by the university to run the program in August 2023.

Grand Valley State relaunched its men’s wrestling program in 2021 and began competing as a varsity sport last year.

Ward, who is a multiple state qualifier, placed seventh in the state in 2022 and third in 2023 before winning the state championship in the 170-pound weight class in 2024. After spending three years at Brandywine, Ward transferred to Niles this year and is off to a strong start. She is 7-0 on this season and 111-13 for her high school career.