A native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Shilson wrestled for Mound View high school where she compiled a 139-64 record. During her time in high school, Shilson was a six time Minnesota girls state champion. Shilson also qualified for the boys state tournament three times and was the first girl to ever qualify for the boys tournament. Shilson represented the United States in 2017 at the cadet world championships coming home with the silver medal. Shilson returned to the cadet world championships in 2018 with an eye on the prize mentality that landed her a world title.
