New Season Brings Record-Breaking Growth, Talent, and Opportunities
As the wrestling season kicks off, a growing wave of enthusiasm, talent, and opportunity is sweeping over girls wrestling programs across the country. Girls wrestling is now one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the United States, with many states adding or expanding programs and competitions dedicated exclusively to female athletes. With more girls lacing up their wrestling shoes, this season promises to be a landmark one, not just for the sport itself, but for the empowerment and visibility of female athletes.
Rapid Growth and Record Participation
The 2024-2025 season marks an incredible milestone for girls wrestling in high schools nationwide. Since the early 2000s, the sport has grown exponentially in popularity, with many new states sanctioning girls wrestling as an official high school sport each year. Just over a decade ago, there were fewer than 10,000 girls wrestling at the high school level. Today, that number has increased to more than 30,000, with the trend expected to continue upward.
This rise in participation reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and equity in sports. As more schools and state athletic associations recognize the demand, they are creating more opportunities for girls to compete in wrestling without having to go up against male counterparts. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), nearly 40 states now offer an official state championship for girls wrestling, and more states are expected to follow.
Expanded Opportunities and Dedicated Competitions
The expansion of dedicated girls wrestling programs and tournaments this season is a big step forward for the sport. Previously, many female wrestlers had to compete in male-dominated teams or tournaments, which posed unique challenges and limited the visibility of their achievements. This season, more girls will be able to compete in tournaments specifically designed for them, allowing for fairer competition and a supportive environment that emphasizes their talent and skills.
The Girls High School Wrestling National Championship, set to take place in March, will be a major event this season, drawing top female wrestlers from across the country. Additionally, the USA Wrestling Women’s Nationals will offer younger wrestlers the opportunity to compete at a national level and get scouted by college programs. With many states now offering separate girls divisions, female wrestlers can aim for not only team wins but also individual championships within a setting that celebrates their accomplishments on equal footing with boys.
Increased College Recruitment and Scholarships
The growth of girls wrestling at the high school level is also generating opportunities in collegiate sports. In the past, only a handful of colleges offered women’s wrestling programs, but today, more than 50 colleges and universities have added women’s wrestling teams. The Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) and the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) have both expanded their tournaments to accommodate more athletes and more weight classes.
This season, high school female wrestlers are expected to be scouted heavily by college coaches, with many hoping to earn scholarships to support their higher education. The NCAA’s move to recognize women’s wrestling as an emerging sport in Division I, II, and III has also played a pivotal role, and colleges are now creating formal wrestling programs to attract young, talented athletes.
Breaking Barriers and Changing Stereotypes
Girls wrestling is not only a sport but a movement that challenges stereotypes and inspires young women to break through barriers. Wrestlers and coaches alike have noted that female athletes bring unique perspectives and styles to the sport. They often focus on technical moves, agility, and endurance, bringing a new dynamic to wrestling strategies that were traditionally seen as male-dominated.
This season, expect to see standout athletes who will serve as role models for younger girls, showing them that they, too, can succeed in wrestling. These athletes are changing perceptions of what it means to be a wrestler and are inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up the sport. With strong role models like Olympic medalist Helen Maroulis, the first American woman to win a gold medal in wrestling, more girls are seeing that wrestling can be a viable path for them to achieve greatness.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While this season offers unparalleled excitement, there are still challenges to be addressed in girls wrestling. Access to resources, facilities, and qualified coaching staff can vary significantly by region, making it more difficult for some girls to find local support. Additionally, some schools and districts are still working to balance the integration of girls wrestling programs within existing boys programs. However, many communities are stepping up, with booster clubs, local sponsors, and fundraising efforts aimed at supporting young female wrestlers.
One significant opportunity lies in developing training programs and resources tailored specifically for female wrestlers. Girls wrestling requires some different training approaches, and many coaches and organizations are now recognizing the need for programs that focus on strength, conditioning, nutrition, and techniques that benefit female athletes.
What to Expect This Season
As the season unfolds, fans, families, and fellow athletes can look forward to watching a new generation of talented female wrestlers take to the mats. From high school meets to state championships and national tournaments, this season is set to highlight just how far girls wrestling has come—and how bright its future is. Expect to see fierce competition, passionate athletes, and dedicated coaches driving this transformative time for the sport.
The rise of girls wrestling is not only about athletic success but also about creating a community that supports, empowers, and encourages female athletes. As the 2024-2025 season progresses, girls wrestling will continue to make strides, showing the world that wrestling is a sport for everyone and that the future of the sport is increasingly female.