There’s a moment every wrestling parent knows: your daughter’s pacing near the mat, headphones on, zoned in. You say, “Good luck! So proud! Go get ’em!” And in return… an eye roll. Oof. It stings.

But here’s the truth: she’s not ungrateful. She’s overwhelmed. What she needs in that moment isn’t a pep talk, but a space to stay focused. Girls in wrestling are navigating intensity, nerves, and the heavy pressure to perform. Underneath the singlet and headgear is a young athlete trying to stay calm, stay confident, and stay in control. Parents can learn to provide an environment that helps their athlete thrive at competition.

When my daughter first stepped into a wrestling room, I felt the deep respect this sport commands. Its tradition, toughness, and discipline have shaped generations of athletes. As a teacher, I’ve always valued the life lessons wrestling can offer: grit, resilience, accountability. But I also saw clearly that the system wasn’t built with girls in mind. From coaching to culture to uniforms, the unspoken message was that girls could participate, but only if they adapted to a model designed for boys. I’ve seen this from every angle: the educator, the parent, the coach, and now the advocate. And while I appreciate where the sport has come from, I’m determined to help shape where it goes next, into a future that makes room for every girl who wants to step on the mat.

At 16 years old, I was a confused sophomore in high school. I was struggling to settle on a clear vision for my life, worried about fitting in, and constantly stuck with indecision. I didn’t feel confident in who I was, and I certainly didn’t think I’d end up becoming a professional wrestler for Team USA.

And yet, here I am.

But the path here hasn’t been linear. It’s been full of uncertainty, painful setbacks, and moments of deep questioning. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: God has been with me every step of the way, even in the depths of my sorrows.

Conversations about food and weight are some of the most sensitive topics you'll ever have with your daughter. And in a weight class sport like wrestling, they will be unavoidable. These discussions are powerful, and can help build her confidence and long-term health. In my own opinion, protecting your wrestler’s health is the most important investment you could make.

There’s a difference between extreme weight cutting and managing weight—and your team culture determines which one shows up.

As a coach, you shape more than technique and tactics. You set the tone for how your athletes view their bodies, food, and the pressure to "make weight." Coaches of female wrestlers must be hyper aware of the increased risk of eating disorders. High school female athletes are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders, with studies indicating that up to 50% of female high school athletes exhibit disordered eating behaviors, and 20–60% of female college athletes are affected.

You hug her after weigh-ins. She made it. She’s relieved—you’re relieved. But deep down, something feels off. Her eyes look tired. She barely spoke this morning. And you're not sure if you're more proud… or worried.

In wrestling, success is often measured in ounces. That number on the scale can determine everything: a starting spot, a shot at state, a future in the sport. For parents, it’s hard not to get caught up in it. We all want the best for our kids—to see them thrive, compete, win. But sometimes, the cost of “making weight” is invisible until it becomes too heavy to carry.

In a groundbreaking move, New York has become the first state in the U.S. to sanction girls' high school wrestling as freestyle instead of folkstyle. This historic decision aligns with the style used in women's college wrestling, providing a seamless pipeline for young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels. Despite facing significant skepticism, New York's bold step marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of girl's and women's wrestling.

We are often our own worst enemies with healed injuries. When we start noticing the inevitable progression towards competition nears closer and closer, and we start loosing our heads. Those last, critical steps towards a full recovery are missed, and we become anxious and over focused on being back to sport in full. What we don't realize is, we already have the tools in our pocket to be ready for competition. It is not the first time we are competing! But are our bodies ready to adapt to the demands we must place on it? 

No matter what level you are on currently, reaching your next level or goal comes from introspection and learning how and where you can make improvements. However, as you start exploring where you can make changes as an athlete, it is important to not fall into the trap of what you expect the end results to be, or how you should look getting there. Here are my top 5 training myths for reaching a higher level. 

After sustaining a concussion during wrestling practice, I faced an uphill battle that impacted every aspect of my life—academics, athletics, and mental health. Simple tasks became overwhelming, and I had to relearn how to function, from navigating classes with sunglasses to rebuilding my confidence through physical therapy. I embraced resilience and found strength in small victories. Inspired by Helen Maroulis’ journey, I decided to share my own story.

For every sport competition, we have our typical packing list of must haves: uniform, food, water, lucky socks. But the more we compete, the more we find ourselves in situations where we didn't have what we needed. And even though we try and buffer for most situations, not everyone knows what to pack just in case. Here are the 5 items you should never forget to bring with you to a competition.

Girls and women’s wrestling is thriving, and as more athletes step onto the mat, it’s crucial for coaches and parents to understand how to support their mental development effectively. While boys and girls share many of the same challenges in wrestling—overcoming setbacks, staying motivated, and managing competition stress—there are differences in how they process and respond to these experiences.

Girls wrestling is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting and empowering sports available, providing young girls and women the opportunity to grow both physically and mentally. Whether you’re the parent of a budding wrestler or a young athlete stepping onto the mat for the first time, learning the basics is crucial for building confidence and embracing the journey of wrestling.

As a wrestling coach, have you ever wondered where you fall on the spectrum of coaching styles? Are you “Coach Cupcake,” always soft, overly accommodating, and hesitant to challenge your athletes? Or are you “Coach Drill Sergeant,” relentlessly demanding, sometimes to the point of breaking trust and respect?