November 4, 2026
ST. LOUIS — Different school, different competition, same Lexington Johnson.
The former St. Charles West wrestling standout is already making her presence felt at the collegiate level, carrying the determination and competitive intensity that made her a high school state champion into her freshman season at Missouri Baptist University.
Johnson has climbed to No. 3 in the 180-pound rankings highlighted by women’s wrestling outlet HerMat following an impressive performance at the Falcon Open, where she placed third in the elite division. HerMat’s published tournament results show her defeating two nationally ranked opponents on the way to the podium.
Johnson earned a 4-3 victory over No. 4 Siara Arrington of Ottawa University in the consolation semifinals before securing third place with another 4-3 decision over No. 3 Carla Campos of Texas Wesleyan. Her only loss came against Caitlyn Davis, who went on to win the division.
Her tournament performance followed a strong collegiate debut October 27. Facing Baker University, Johnson defeated Jenna Tuxhorn 4-0 in the 180-pound division, recording two takedowns without allowing her opponent to score, according to Missouri Baptist Athletics.
Watch: Wrestling footage shared with VOTP News STL by Johnson’s mother, Needra Anderson.
Video courtesy of Needra Anderson.
For those who have followed Johnson’s journey, her early success at the college level is another chapter in a story that began well before she joined the Spartans.
VOTP News STL previously covered Johnson’s historic senior season at St. Charles West, where she became the school’s first female state wrestling champion. She claimed the 170-pound state title before graduating and continuing her wrestling career at Missouri Baptist. Her accomplishments also earned her the St. Charles Superstar Award from the city of St. Charles in May.
Now competing in Missouri Baptist’s navy and white, Johnson is taking that same drive into a new level of competition.
The opponents have changed, and the challenges are bigger. But Johnson is continuing to do what St. Louis-area wrestling fans have watched her do for years: compete, persevere and find ways to win.
And her collegiate journey is only getting started.
