On Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, Quakertown senior Caroline Hatalla was recognized for committing to continue her wrestling career at Lehigh University. (Photos provided courtesy of Jen Banas/QCHS)
Caroline Hattala – Lehigh University (Wrestling)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: “It really was just Lehigh for me. I knew that’s where I was meant to be. I had looked at other top schools like McKendree University and Eastern University, but once again, I kind of knew where home was.”
Reasons for choosing Lehigh: “It was home. The balance of academic and athletic achievement is unlike any other school in the country. The culture of the team the second I stepped on campus
was one of family, and that made my choice for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in wrestling at the collegiate level? “I knew I was going to wrestle in college the moment I stepped on a mat. I just did not know necessarily where until my junior year when Lehigh reached out to me to start the recruitment process.”
Quakertown coach Eric Rosencranz: “I started coaching the girls’ wrestling team four years ago. Caroline was a part of that first freshman class that I had. We have essentially grown up together these last four years – her as a wrestler and myself as a coach. When I think of words to describe Caroline’s career so far, the same word keeps coming up – first. First girl wrestler in school history to reach 100 wins. First girl in PIAA history to reach 100 pins. One of the first in school history to win a PIAA state championship and now the first to move on to a Division 1 wrestling program. These are all incredible accomplishments, but what makes them even more incredible is the short time in which she’s accomplished them.
“Caroline only started wrestling a few months before her high school career began. She made up the ground by simply outworking everyone around her. The early morning workouts and the double practice days year round have helped her become one of the most dominant wrestlers not just for Quakertown but in the state. However, the accolades and the hard work only tell a part of the story. It’s really how she dealt with the ups and downs of her career that truly sets her apart, and I’m not the only one who’s noticed.
“The thing I love most is seeing the younger girls from elementary to middle school come up to take pictures with Caroline during tournaments. These girls see her as not only a great athlete but as a role model. It is a testament to who she is as a person, and it’s one I know she will carry with her as she continues her career at Lehigh.
“It’s been a true honor to watch her grow throughout these last four years, and I cannot wait to see all she does at Lehigh. Congrats on yet another first.”
About Caroline:
Favorite food: “Not necessarily a food but rainbow sprinkles on anything and everything.”
Favorite movie: Pretty Woman
Favorite artists: Zach Bryan & Katy Perry
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