Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports at the high school and collegiate level. “Since 1994, the number of women who wrestle in high school has grown from 804 to over 28,000 (as of 2021)”, this quote is from NWCA. Aaron Negrette, the now assistant coach for Missouri Valley College, voices, “Women all across the state, nation and even the world are finally getting the recognition and support that has been long overdue. Women's college wrestling programs are popping up left and right throughout the U.S., at all levels of college and it’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Women’s wrestling is a great platform for young women to learn self defense and self discipline. It’s beneficial because of the grit and mental strength that is taught. Former Mayfair High School wrestler, Ariel Arce, expresses, “It’s empowering for us to know that we can successfully accomplish anything a man can do. It teaches patience and allows us to push ourselves past the stereotypical limits, giving us a great stepping stone into learning how to defend ourselves.”
Ariel was the first girl to try out and make the boys team in 2014. After her first year wrestling, she successfully started the Mayfair High School Girls Wrestling Program. The head coach of our wrestling and former marine, Ibee Atalla, asserts “Wrestling is great for women, I think it’s great for their self esteem and teaches them discipline.” Wrestling can change a girl's life, not only does it enforce physical fitness, but also resilience and confidence. “Girls wrestling is bringing new energy, audiences, awareness, and credibility to our sport.”, this excerpt is from Wrestle Like A Girl.