The ever-growing popularity of girls’ wrestling has made its mark in Wisconsin, with over 150 high schools now offering the sport. Colleges in the state are also stepping up to meet the demand, with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh launching its first women’s wrestling program this fall. Other schools in the state, such as UW-Stevens Point, Lakeland University, and Carthage College, have also added girls’ wrestling to their athletic programs.
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has recognized the growth of girls’ wrestling by incorporating a girls’ division at its boy’s state tournament and planning to host a separate state girls’ wrestling team tournament starting in 2026. The rise of girls in the sport has been attributed to increased opportunities and support at the high school and youth levels.
With the success of girls in wrestling attracting more participants, athletes like Paige Haaf, a freshman at UW-Oshkosh, are making their mark in the sport. Haaf, who started wrestling three years ago, sees the sport as a way to build confidence and push oneself to rise to the competition. The infrastructure at the lower levels is helping prepare athletes like Haaf to transition to the college level.
For UW-Oshkosh head coach Jared Costa, starting a new women’s wrestling program means setting the tone for the Titans and establishing the university as a powerhouse in the sport. Costa sees the Midwest as a wrestling mecca and embraces the challenge of facing tough competition. He believes that being a part of a new program can be a motivating factor for recruits, as they have the opportunity to make history and put UW-Oshkosh on the map in the world of women’s wrestling.
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