Girls’ wrestling, the fastest-growing sport in America right now, has increased by a whopping 157% more participants in the last 5 years, and has been a PIAA-sanctioned sport since 2023. Wrestling is an excellent opportunity to increase confidence, mental and physical strength, resilience, leadership, and self-defense skills.
Newport’s girls’ wrestling has an admirable program with hopes of growing and expanding this rising sport. To aid that growth before the coming season, open mats took place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00 PM, and live wrestling on Fridays from 5:00-6:00 PM, until mandatory practices began Nov. 14. Open mats, wrestling practices, and the dodgeball tournament were all held at Tuscarora Training Center.
This wrestling program is opening many possibilities to the girls of Newport, and has been, overall, an enjoyable experience. “I like wrestling because I like to show people what I am capable of and how hard I work to get to where I am at… You should have a good attitude and a good work ethic to get better, and you have to be able to push yourself,” Junior and second-year wrestler, Peyton Eisenhart explains.
As girls’ wrestling continues to grow nationwide, Newport’s program is creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to build strength, confidence, and community. With events like open mats, live practices, and the dodgeball tournament, the team is working hard to expand interest and participation in the sport. As the new season approaches, the future looks bright for girls’ wrestling in Newport.
The girls have a scrimmage on Nov. 29 and their first match on Dec. 5.
