United States Olympic Education Center women’s freestyle wrestler Helen Maroulis (Rockville, Md.) earned a spot on the U.S. World Team Sept. 19-21 at the Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Maroulis, a senior at Marquette Senior High School, defeated World silver medalist Stephanie Murata in the finals in two straight matches at 51 kilograms to clinch a spot on the team.

“I think my experience at the Junior Worlds helped me out a lot,” said Maroulis. “Now I know what to expect when I go to the World Championships.”

According to TheMat.com, Maroulis is believed to be the youngest U.S. World Team member since 1996.

The World Championships take place Oct. 11-13 in Tokyo, Japan.

Adeline Gray (Denver, Colo.) missed making the World Team, losing in the final match.

The MSHS senior was the runner up in the 67 kg category.

Earning second places are Northern Michigan University junior Alyssa Lampe (Tomahawk, Wis.) and freshman Schuyler Brown (Montpelier, Va.). NMU freshmen Amy Whitbeck (Duanseburg, N.Y.) and Erin Clodgo (Richmond, Vt.), along with senior Nicole Darrow (Lanesboro, Mass.) all placed third. Freshman Melissa Apodaca (Chugiak, Alaska) and sophomores Amber Miracle (Berlin, Wis.) and Lindsay Brooks (Houston, Texas) placed fourth.

The women’s freestyle wrestling team will travel to Oklahoma City University to participate in the OCU Duals Oct. 3-5.

– USOEC Media