Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. Many states now sanction girls’ high school wrestling, college programs have expanded rapidly and women’s wrestling has become an NCAA championship sport, while women’s freestyle has been an Olympic event since 2004.
Pathways in women’s wrestling
| Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Youth | Clubs and USA Wrestling events |
| High school | Girls’ state tournaments in many states |
| College | NCAA, NAIA and junior college programs |
| International | Women’s freestyle at the Worlds and Olympics |
| Coaching and officiating | Growing opportunities |
How to get started
- Join a local club or school team.
- Look for girls-only clinics and camps.
- Learn freestyle and folkstyle rules.
- Connect with coaches about college options.
- Follow national events to find role models.
Frequently asked questions
When did women’s wrestling join the Olympics?
Women’s freestyle debuted at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Is women’s wrestling an NCAA sport?
Yes. It moved from emerging sport to NCAA championship status, with rapid growth in programs.
Do girls wrestle boys in high school?
In some states girls may wrestle on boys’ teams, while many states also offer girls-only divisions.
