Wrestling Wasn’t Built for Girls, but That’s No Excuse

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.