This year, girls wrestling is an IHSAA-sanctioned sport. While NC has had girls wrestling teams, they were not recognized until the 2024-2025 school year and were labeled as club teams.
“I am very excited for this season,” junior Dani Harris said.
This new announcement has excited the girls on the team. The opportunity to compete with a new team gives them much to look forward to.
“I just think it’s not seen as much, and it needs more attention,” junior Anyla Walkers said.
Wrestling is not the most popular sport at school, and especially with a girls team now present, it is important to show support. The girls on the team feel as though their sport is underrated, and with this being the first year for them, it is important to raise awareness and excitement about it.
“I think wrestling, in general, is underrated,” Harris said. “Girls wrestling defnitely is. It’s seen more as a ‘boys’ sport that girls shouldn’t do.”
Wrestling is not only an athletic activity, but it is also a time to make new friends and have fun with other girls.
“More girls should join wrestling to have a loving community around them,” Harris said.
Becoming a part of the team comes with many perks, including the opportunity to try something new and have fun with it.
Not only is the girl’s wrestling team not brought to light enough, but people also don’t understand all there is to the sport.
“It helps build confidence and strength; it’s just very fun in general to wrestle,” Harris said. “It’s hard to stay motivated, but having a team to support you through everything makes it all worth it.”
A key to motivation is having a good environment and a reliable support system. These are topics girls wrestling check off.
“It’s fun and a great community,” Walkers said. “The coaches are amazing and very understanding, and the girls are welcoming and will have your back.”
Girls wrestling is looking forward to its first official year as an NC sport and hopes it will be the start of a successful program.
