The first all-girls wrestling team was formed in 1993. The first girls’ wrestling state championship was in 1998. Girls’ wrestling was added to the Olympics in 2004. Participation in girls’ wrestling surged in recent years, from 5,000 in 2005 to 74,000+ in 2025.
Isabelle Singer is one of those many wrestlers. Starting her journey in 2024, her eighth-grade year, not knowing what she was getting herself into, she fell in love with the sport.
“I was surprised how much I started liking it, and so I continued with a club over the summer,” Singer said. “However, my passion grew most during my high school season. More opportunities were given, and a ton of friends were made.”
Her growing passion and determination led her to make varsity her freshman year and qualify for sectionals, but this is just the beginning. Over the next three years, she plans to make a state, place, and hopes to continue her journey in college.
Her coaches are aiding her in this process, helping her find extra opportunities to wrestle in tournaments, pushing her towards success in every practice, and encouraging her to reach out to colleges that align with her aspirations.
“Isabelle is very determined, always putting in the work outside of practice,” senior Tanya Pasillas said.
Every practice is an opportunity to help reach her full potential, and Isabelle takes it very seriously. She takes the extra step, maintaining her weight, getting proper food and hydration, sleeping nine hours nightly, and working out at least once per day.
“Everyone always says to achieve your goals by putting in the work, even when no one is watching you. I have learned how true this is after pushing myself even when I don’t have to be. You have to show yourself that you can be great, but to do that, you have to go through the difficult parts,” said Singer.
“Isabelle is a very persistent wrestler; she shows up and puts in the work when nobody else does, going to extra practice every day,” junior Gracia Garcia said.
Though Singer has found that showing up is better with friends, her team has taken her beyond where she ever thought she could go.
“It is truly an awesome sport, and I am surrounded by truly amazing teammates. I encourage many other girls to join our wrestling team. Or as we like to call it, our family,” Singer said.
