Otterbein’s Olivia Shore named WIN’s Women’s Schalles Award recipient

Editor’s Note: WIN’s recently published Volume 31 Issue 9, the Annual Awards Issue, is available for immediate digital access to subscribers. Subscribe here (Print/Digital/Combo). WIN will announce the remaining award winners over the course of this week. 

By Tristan Warner 

Growing up in a house with her father as a wrestling coach and five younger brothers, Olivia Shore learned from a young age about toughness and survival.

The first female to place at the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) boys’ state championship in 2021, it came as no shock to Shore herself, who had her father’s wisdom instilled in her from the onset.

“I was raised wrestling boys,” Shore said. “I was taught to be a little extra rough, and I carried that over when I started wrestling all women.

“My dad used to always tell me to learn to survive. Wrestling boys made me the wrestler I am now. If I could survive the guys my whole childhood, I knew I was ready for anything.”

She adapted to the collegiate ranks wrestling girls quickly, as Shore captured the 2022 NCWWC title at 101 pounds while representing Tiffin. After transferring to McKendree and sustaining a slew of injuries, she made her way back to her roots at Otterbein in Westerville, Ohio heading into the 2024-25 season.

The decision to move closer to home paid dividends, as Shore captured her second national championship this past March, capping off a 23-1 season with 15 falls, including three pins at the national tournament.

Now, Shore is being recognized as the recipient of the prestigious 2024-25 Women’s Schalles Award as the nation’s top pinner.

The Schalles Award, which has been presented annually in men’s college wrestling, is named after Wade Schalles, who set the college pin record at Clarion (Pa.) State where he also won two NCAA championships (1972-73). During his career, Schalles defeated 153 of 159 opponents and pinned 109.

Shore is the second women’s recipient of the award, which was started in the 2023-24 season.

“I was shocked at first because I didn’t follow my stats as much this year and just focused on getting the job done,” Shore reflected. “Being in the same category (as Wade Schalles) is unbelievable. I am really grateful. I told my parents, and they were super proud, and I am proud of myself.”

Schalles, who was named a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1991, offered high remarks for the season Shore put together.

“It’s always such a pleasure to watch someone who’s never happy unless their opponent is bridging, and from multiple positions,” Schalles stated. “That’s the sign of a great one. Someone who knows her body and has an elevated kinesthetic sense. That’s what happens when you have five brothers, who also wrestle, nipping at your heels and fighting you for that last piece of cake at dinner time. Well done Olivia; you’re currently America’s greatest pinner.”

Otterbein head coach Chris Kline also spoke words of high praise for his national champion, stating, “It’s an honor to see Olivia recognized with this award. She’s been making history throughout her career, and this year was truly special. Her work ethic, leadership, and dedication show every time she steps on the mat. No matter who’s across from her, Olivia competes with confidence and purpose.”

With two years of eligibility remaining, the prolific pinner has already turned the page mentally but remains focused on living in the present, a mindset she has crafted and refined over the course of her career.

“I have two years of eligibility left,” Shore explained. “I am taking next year as my fifth year, but I try not to figure out my future too much. ‘Survive and advance’ is what my dad says to me.”