The sport of girls wrestling in Wisconsin has seen rapid growth in recent years, with the number of participants increasing significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2017-18, only 227 girls wrestled in the state, but as of 2024-25, that number has increased to 1,868 girls, a 51% increase over last year and more than six times the number before the sport received its own championship.
The growth of girls wrestling in Wisconsin has been attributed to the support of schools and coaches, as well as the implementation of separate tournaments for boys and girls, eliminating the need for girls to compete against boys. This change has made the sport more appealing to girls, with more feeling comfortable participating knowing they will only wrestle against other girls.
Coaches like Luke Blair from Boscobel/Wauzeka-Steuben have noted the impact of this rule change, with girls wrestling being a completely different sport than boys wrestling. Girls have shown strength in different areas of their bodies, requiring a change in coaching style to help them succeed.
The popularity of girls wrestling in Wisconsin reflects a nationwide trend, with the NCAA voting to sanction girls wrestling as its 91st championship sport starting in 2026-27. In Wisconsin, the state will crown a team state champion in girls wrestling for the first time, signaling continued growth and opportunities for girls in the sport.
Boscobel/Wauzeka-Steuben’s wrestlers will participate in the upcoming WIAA Individual State Tournament, with regionals set to take place this Saturday for both boys and girls.
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