OUR COACHES

I coach because I want to provide the same impactful support I received from my own coaches, ensuring every athlete has the guidance they need to reach their highest goals. I am most passionate about teaching commitment — seeing things through to the end has allowed me to live without regrets and molded me into who I am today. My turning point came after taking third at sectionals two years in a row; that disappointment drove me to take the sport seriously by adding freestyle and Greco-Roman to my training. On the mat, I live by a "never stop wrestling" philosophy — I excel at scrambling, short-time scoring, and explosive single legs, and I strive to teach my athletes how to be stingy on bottom and relentless in their pursuits. Off the mat, you'll find me cheering on Wisconsin sports teams or catching the latest Marvel movie.

Wrestling was always more than a sport to me — it was an outlet that provided a sense of purpose and a community of lifelong mentors. I coach to recreate that safe "happy place" for others, ensuring every athlete feels the same sense of belonging I found on the mat. This mission is rooted in my primary pillar of integrity: true character is forged in the disciplined habits an athlete maintains when no one is watching. My journey began at Madison East High School and led me to UW–Whitewater, where I served as a team captain and earned the 2019 Most Valuable Wrestler award with a 40–5 record. On the mat, I specialize in technical systems like the front headlock and mat returns to help athletes find their competitive edge. Off the mat, I leverage my experience as an apprenticeship manager to guide others in their careers, and in my free time I enjoy traveling, golfing, and spending quality time with my family.

I coach because I want to see young athletes become people they never thought they could be — serving as a role model who makes a lasting impact on their lives. My goal is to share the love I have for this sport so that my wrestlers eventually find the same joy in giving back to their own communities. I am most passionate about teaching consistency: performing without negotiation builds an unbreakable work ethic and holds you accountable when times get difficult. My journey began with the Sugar River youth program and reached a turning point at the U.S. Open, where I realized exactly what it took to become a true champion. Since then I have achieved significant milestones, including becoming an undefeated high school state champion and earning All-American honors at both Fargo and Super 32. On the mat, I specialize in the technical nuances of wrist fighting, top work, and mastering natural leg defense. Outside the wrestling room, I challenge myself on the golf course and maintain a dedicated weightlifting routine that I believe is essential for every athlete.

I coach because I want to give back to the sport that sparked my growth in motivation, confidence, and discipline — shaping the youth into great people both on and off the mat. I am particularly passionate about teaching consistency, as it is the vital bridge between potential and actual results that requires showing up every day regardless of how you feel. My journey began in Woodridge, Illinois, eventually leading me to Downers Grove South and now to UW-Whitewater. My competitive career is highlighted by being a 2026 NCAA National Qualifier, a 2026 WIAC Conference Champion, and a two-time NCAA Academic All-American. I fell in love with the grind during my first college home dual, feeding off the energy of the lights as a young athlete. On the mat, my signature style focuses on heavy hand fighting and stingy defense, specializing in re-attacks and front headlock scoring. Outside the room, I stay active by fishing and golfing, enjoying the outdoors while connecting with those closest to me.

I coach because I want to give back to this great sport and help the next generation of athletes fall in love with wrestling. I am most passionate about teaching consistency — staying disciplined in all aspects of life is the primary driver for elevating an athlete's skill level. My journey began at five years old, but my true turning point came in eighth grade when qualifying for state proved I could compete with the best, fueling my motivation to work harder. My competitive career is highlighted by placing sixth at the IHSA state tournament, being a three-time state qualifier, and earning a fifth-place finish in the WIAC Conference. On the mat, I specialize in top-position dominance — working with cradles, legs, and tilts — while also favoring the Russian tie in neutral. Outside of the wrestling room, I love to spend my time traveling and exploring new places.

Driven by a lifelong passion that began in second grade, Makenzie Usher transitioned from a standout competitor in Milton, Wisconsin, to a dedicated coach for the Craig High School girls' team and Askren Wrestling Academy. As a former state qualifier and placer, she draws on her experience as often the only female in the room to instill a relentless offensive style and a "drive-to-prove" mentality in her athletes. Makenzie views wrestling as a vital stepping stone, coaching not just to build elite wrestlers, but to develop disciplined, high-character individuals ready for the real world. She is a firm believer that success is never linear, emphasizing that unwavering consistency through the highs and lows is the true key to progress. When she isn't on the mats, Makenzie fuels her love for life by traveling and exploring the outdoors to meet new people. Her mission remains clear: to empower the next generation of wrestlers to stay in control of their matches and their futures.

I coach because I want to be a positive influence in the lives of my athletes, sharing the mindset and technique needed to unlock their full potential on and off the mat. I am deeply passionate about teaching commitment, as I believe it is the foundation for discipline and grit that sets a person up for success in any avenue of life. My journey began at age five in Highland, Wisconsin, but my true turning point came after my sophomore year when I fell in love with the grind and learned to value the process over results. This shift led to a decorated career as a state champion, a two-time state placer, and a three-time academic all-state honoree. Now competing at Division I for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I specialize in heavy hand fighting, outside leg attacks, and applied pressure on top. Through this experience, I aim to inspire athletes to relentlessly pursue their futures using wrestling as their primary tool. Outside the room, I stay active in the outdoors through fishing, hunting, and playing pick-up sports.