Magic on the Mat: The Rise of Girls’ Wrestling in Asheville

Posted on by Christy Edwards
two young people wrestle on mats at Grant Southside Center

If you buy a mat, they will come. That was the philosophy Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) embraced when it launched a youth wrestling program last year. And they did come – in surprising numbers, often led by girls.

two young people wrestle on mats at Grant Southside CenterLocal Momentum for Girls’ Wrestling in Asheville

Girls’ wrestling is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports at the high school and collegiate levels nationwide, and this trend is fully reflected in APR’s program. Practices are regularly filled with grapplers aged 5-12, and often more than half of the participants are girls. While wrestling is an ancient and respected sport, it has historically excluded a large part of the population. Now, the movement is taking over the sporting world, providing young athletes with opportunities to build confidence, self-discipline, perseverance, and determination.

A key to the program’s success is mentorship from the local high school girls’ team. These older athletes volunteer to coach, act as practice partners, and inspire the next generation. As high school senior Sydney says, “Wrestling has impacted my life in a positive way by setting me up with a foundation of both skills and methods that enable me to seek more growth. Most of all, though, it has given me a community of people and friends that I am connected to.”

high school wrestler with arm around young wrestler pose on mats at Grant Southside CenterMentorship Inspires Young Grapplers

The positive impact extends to the youngest participants. Ten-year-old wrestler Cora’s parents note, “Over the year and a half that she has been wrestling, she is more confident and willing to try new things. Also her agility has improved and even helped her in other sports. While initially she thought wrestling may not be for her, she really enjoys it and loves the coaches.” 

And Cora’s favorite part of wrestling? “I like wrestling because I get to meet new people and learn new things.”

By offering a space for all youth to experience the thrills of victory and the lessons of defeat, APR’s program is successfully fostering well-rounded athletes and future leaders. All youth wrestlers have the opportunity to navigate the thrill of victory and the disappointment of losing, as in life. 

This is perhaps the greatest lesson this tough sport has to offer. Magic takes place on our mat. What changes when you become a wrestler? Everything!

Asheville Parks & Recreation team member Bob Jackson reads wrestling rules to young peopleIntroduce Wrestling to Kids and Teens in Your Life

Know a young person who may benefit from time on the mat? Introduce them to this great sport with one of the opportunities listed below!

  • Learn about Upcoming Let’s Wrestle Sessions for Kids and Teens: Young wrestlers learn fundamentals of wrestling and experienced wrestlers build skills and improve technique. All practice takedowns, pinning combinations, and escapes. They build strength and agility through movement exercises, drills, and games while also learning to overcome adversity, become more resilient, and build strong and lasting friendships.
  • Learn about Upcoming Summer Wrestling Camp: A week to build a strong foundation of fundamental wrestling skills while promoting fitness, coordination, and character to help develop valuable skills and a lifelong love for physical activity. The camp concentrates on instruction, drilling, live wrestling, fitness challenges, games and more for the beginning to advanced wrestlers.

Check Out All APR Programs

Wrestling is just one of hundreds of programs, activities, and special events taking place in Asheville parks and community centers each week! Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:

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