Girl’s wrestling becomes popular at VHS

By Margherita Nelumbio, Reporter

In recent years, the popularity of wrestling has grown—not only among boys but also among girls. More girls started to join the wrestling team which has resulted in the formation of a new girl’s wrestling team that allows them to compete alongside their male peers.

Last year, the team had five girls in comparison whereas this year the number of girls has grown to nine members. Also in the sector of professional wrestling, the number of girls increased a lot and they became the idols of a lot of students who ended up joining the team.

“I have watched a lot of female wrestlers and talked to a few and they all were such cool people. I wanted to be like them. This is why one of my goals for this year is to get better at wrestling, and also I want to feel more confident in my wrestling and skills,” freshman Hazel Nielsen said.

While each wrestler is working on their individual goals, it is important–just like any other team–to have a captain that athletes can count on and who represents them.

“As a team, we are all super supportive of each other. Because we all know the grit and determination it takes to be a wrestler, I think there is a really special bond between us all,” team captain sophomore Kyla Scheff said.

The girls’ effort and dedication to working hard in practice that helps them compete at a high level and be successful in their tournaments.

“The girls work so hard. We have been to three tournaments so far with some great results, as well they have learned a ton about themselves and about the sport and what it has to offer,” Coach Jan Nielsen said.

Wrestling is more of an individual sport; for this reason, the athletes are focused a lot more on their personal goals.

“My goals for this year are to be the best wrestler I can—mentally and physically,” sophomore Sydney Shannon said.

However, reaching the team goals can sometimes help them reach their individual goals through the encouragement the team provides.

“[Our] goal is for everybody to reach their goals. We have talked about it at the beginning of the season and each one of them has individual goals as well as team goals: to watch them strive towards both individual and team goals, to bring a bunch of gals together, and to work hard for themselves and for each other,” Jan Nielsen said.