Hope Sjostrom: Rising Star Inspired by Her Sister

Following in Strong Footsteps

Jan. 30—JAMESTOWN — The influence of sibling dynamics often shapes the paths we take in life, and for Hope Sjostrom, her sister Hannah's journey in wrestling laid the groundwork for her own aspirations. When Hannah joined the Jamestown High School girls wrestling team five years ago, little did they know it would ignite a fire in younger Hope.

“Two months after my sister joined wrestling, my dad asked me if I wanted to join,” said Hope. “I wanted to be just like my sister so I said that I wanted to compete.”

A New Competitor in the Ring

Now a seventh grader at Jamestown Middle School, Hope is making her debut on the JHS girls wrestling team, embracing both the challenges and joys that come with it. Her father, Jon, expressed confidence in her choice: “I knew when Hannah did it that Hope would follow.”

The bar was set high for Hope, whose sister Hannah was an impressive competitor with a 4-1 record in WDA duals as a senior, achieving second-seed status in the state at 170 pounds. Hannah showcased her talents at the second-ever State Girls Wrestling Tournament, reaching the semifinals and earning a third-place finish two years in a row. Now, she continues her journey at the collegiate level at the University of Jamestown.

Building Experience from the Ground Up

While Hannah was competing in high school and college, Hope was busy honing her skills at the youth level. Since starting her wrestling career at age eight with Jamestown's TAZ Wrestling team and Valley City Express Wrestling, she embraced every opportunity to grow. “I thought that it was fun that I got to just go out on a mat and wrestle and do what I wanted,” Hope reflected.

In 2023, she grappled with some of the best at the USMC Girls Folkstyle Nationals and also took on robust rivals at the Northern Plains Regional Championships. Her father recalled one moment where she faced a significant challenge: “She was going to wrestle at the 100-pound weight class, but there was no one else at that weight, so they moved her up. She was wrestling girls who were 15 pounds heavier and had a few years on her.”

Tough Lessons on the Mat

Hope's competitive spirit shone brightly as she tackled each hurdle, ultimately placing second and third at the regional tournament. However, transitioning to high school wrestling had its difficulties. “It's a lot more challenging than when I was wrestling at TAZ or Valley City,” Hope confessed. “Now, I am wrestling girls who are a lot older than me and who have been wrestling longer.”

Jon candidly noted, “She's lost more this year than she's lost in the last four years. But you need to get that tougher competition if you want to get better.” This sentiment echoes the age-old sports mantra—failure is often the best teacher.

Strength Through Adversity

Despite the challenges, Hope continues to grind. Recently, she placed third at the 2026 Storhaug Invitational in Lisbon and showcased her skills with a win by fall against Williston on January 8. Against Bismarck High on January 29, she pinned Lauralie Fuchs, demonstrating her capacity to learn and adapt. Currently, her record stands at 18-9.

JHS head coach James Meland echoed Hope's potential. “Some would say that Hope is a naturally talented wrestler, but what many don't know is all the hard work that she puts in to get to where she is,” he said. “We are excited to have her on our team for many more years.”

The Future Looks Bright

As I watch Hope's journey unfold, I am reminded that the heart of sports lies not just in victories but also in the stories of resilience, growth, and inspiration. With her sister Hannah paving the way, Hope carries the torch, ready to make her own name on the wrestling mat. Sports like wrestling, filled with grit and determination, empower young athletes to embrace challenges with enthusiasm. I can't wait to see how this young competitor grows in the coming years.