Title IX has played a huge role in creating opportunities for girls like me to compete in sports, especially wrestling. Growing up, I was the only girl on my wrestling team. It was challenging at times to feel like I truly belonged, but because of Title IX, that’s starting to change. More schools now have girls’ wrestling programs, and I’ve been able to compete in all-girls tournaments and watch the sport grow around me. Title IX has opened doors not just for me, but for the next generation of girls who won’t have to be the only one on the team, they’ll have teammates, support, and a place on the mat from the very beginning.
It’s important to have a day like National Girls & Women in Sports Day because it recognizes the hard work, dedication, and resilience of female athletes who have often had to fight for their place in sports. For girls like me, who grew up as the only female wrestler on the team, it’s a powerful reminder that we’re not alone, that there’s a growing community of strong, talented women paving the way. Celebrating this day brings visibility to our achievements, highlights the progress made through efforts like Title IX, and reminds us that there’s still work to do to ensure equal opportunities in every sport. It’s not just a celebration, it’s motivation to keep pushing forward.
For the future of women’s sports, I hope to see true equality in opportunities, resources, and recognition. I want girls to grow up knowing they belong in any sport they choose, not as an exception, but as the norm. In wrestling, I hope to see more schools offering girls’ programs, more scholarships, and more visibility for female athletes at every level. I also want to see more women in leadership roles such as coaches, referees, and administrators, who can mentor and inspire the next generation. Most of all, I hope we continue building a sports culture where female athletes are valued, respected, and celebrated just as much as their male counterparts