The women’s wrestling team at Southeast has almost tripled since last year’s season. The team was founded just two years ago by two girls, Kiki Riedel and Brooklyn Adams, later growing to four girls in the second year, and currently standing with a total of 11 girls this year. Overall, it is evident that the Southeast women’s wrestling team has grown exponentially since its creation.
High school women’s wrestling is growing not only at Southeast, but also nationally. As of now, there are only five states in the United States that do not offer girl’s wrestling in high school(USA Today). Women’s wrestling has also recently emerged in the Olympics and college-level schools, aiding its growth and publicity throughout all ages. The growth of the sport will continue to magnify at all levels.
Wrestling has grown for many reasons including the benefits that the wrestlers gain. Wrestling is known to be a mental game and as the Girl’s Assistant Coach Jaimee Reidel says “Through wrestling the wrestlers grow mental toughness, push their limits, and grow self-esteem and leadership”. The Canterbury School provides similar information when they state, “‘The greatest thing wrestling can provide is mental toughness,’ he explained. ‘Mental toughness is not only the ability to persevere in the face of adversity but the ability to think rationally, have self-compassion, and accept and process your emotions’”(Canterbury School). Wrestling builds a strong mental foundation within all wrestlers as they practice and compete.
Overall, the growth of the sport of wrestling has many contributors and women’s wrestling in particular is seeing these effects. Let’s wish our girls luck with their 2024-2025 wrestling season!