The referee smacks the mat, signaling that the match has been won. All of the hard work has paid off.

While in previous years the Carroll girl’s wrestling team was considered an emerging sport, they are now having an official season.

“Wrestling completely changed my life,” says junior Emily Madinski, “it’s one of the most important things to me.”

The girl’s wrestling team has fought for members and recognition throughout their time at Carroll.

“We need more girl wrestlers! Our boy team is giant this year. I think about more or less of 100 people and we only have 6 girls!!!!!” says Madinski.

If you have any interest in joining girl’s wrestling don’t hesitate. It has created a loving community for Madinski and her other teammates.

“I’ve been wanting to do it since middle school but I was too scared to go up there with no experience.” Madinski says, “It was the first day of freshman year and I heard the announcements say something about ‘girls wrestling’ and I went straight to my computer and emailed my counselor to find out who that coach was. pretty soon i started showing up to off season matches and i loved it so i continued it.”

Wrestling takes time, energy, and effort just like any other sport.

“I remember my coach told me “do what you need to even when you don’t want to”” Says Madinski, “and I try to use that advice as much as I can. Wrestling is draining both mentally and physically but if you push yourself you can achieve hard things.”

Women’s sports have a long history of being undermined and ignored. Hopefully the new coach and official season will bring them the recognition they deserve.

“With our new coach I’m expecting a big change. I’m a little sad Coach Briggs retired from the team but I’m excited to see what’s new,” Madinski says. The new coach, Scott Raypole, has coached other sports teams before.

Madinski

 and her teammates have worked very hard to achieve their goals within the sport. If you are at all interested in joining the team, make sure to try out next year.