LANSING, Mich. — A once male-dominated sport is experiencing a seismic shift in Michigan high schools. Girls wrestling, long an overlooked and underserved athletic pursuit, has transformed into one of the fastest-growing sports across the state. Fueled by recent policy changes, increased visibility, and a groundswell of community support, female wrestlers are not just stepping onto the mat—they’re taking it over.
According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), the number of girls participating in high school wrestling has increased by more than 300% in just five years. In the 2024–2025 academic year, over 2,500 girls are competing statewide—up from just 370 in 2017.
From Margins to Mainstream
Historically, girls who wished to wrestle in Michigan had few options. Many competed on boys’ teams, often as the only female in the room. That changed in 2021 when the MHSAA officially sanctioned a girls-only state championship, legitimizing the sport and opening new opportunities for young women.
“Before the finals were separate, we were kind of in the shadows,” said Olivia Root, a senior at Holt High School. “Now we have our own space—and it means everything.”
The growth hasn’t been limited to participation. Schools across Michigan have launched dedicated girls wrestling teams, often led by pioneering coaches like Sexton High School’s Assistant Coach Arron Tucker, who helps oversees a roster of 20 athletes.
“There’s no difference in intensity or drive,” Tucker said. “These girls train just as hard and want it just as much. They’ve earned their place on the mat.”
Sidney Shackelford, a senior wrestler and vocal advocate for the sport, added: “I love that it’s getting recognized and that it’s expanding.”
Faces of a Movement
Athletes like Olivia Delacruz of Lansing Eastern High School are making a name for themselves on the mat and becoming role models for the next wave of competitors. Capping off her junior season, Delacruz earned her third consecutive trip to Ford Field to compete at the state finals, an extraordinary accomplishment for the Lansing Eastern Quakers.
On her way, she claimed the Don Johnson Invitational Championship, finished as District Runner-up, and ended her season with a 28-8 record at States.
“I just wanted to try it,” Delacruz said of her start in the sport. “It was tough at first, but I stuck with it.”
That early determination has served her well. In her freshman year, she shocked even herself by qualifying for States.
“It was never my goal,” she admits with a laugh. “But it became one after that.”
Like many wrestlers, Delacruz has battled through injuries, rigorous weight cuts, and punishing training schedules. Her routine includes a demanding mix of conditioning, technique drills, and live wrestling. She credits much of her success to her coaches—especially Lansing Eastern Head Coach Arnold Pulliam, who has guided her since the beginning.
Her rise has not gone unnoticed by the trailblazers who came before her.
“I am a huge supporter of girls wrestling,” said Camryn Jackson, Lansing Eastern Hall of Fame athlete and wrestling State Champion. “It’s really amazing seeing it grow. I am a big supporter of Olivia Delacruz. I think she is amazing. She has a tenacious style—quick, fast—and she reminds me of myself. Honestly, in my opinion, she’s even better. She has a work ethic that is slim to none and is a very intelligent person, big-time.”
Another dominant force in Michigan wrestling is Tyler Swanigan, a two-time high school state champion and one of the most accomplished female wrestlers to come out of the state. During her time at South Lyon East High School, Swanigan became the first female athlete in Michigan history to win a state title at 125 pounds in 2022, clinching the championship in a dramatic 8-6 overtime victory against her best friend, Faith Blackburn.
“I was the first athlete to become a state champion from my school,” Swanigan said. “It was a really big deal. In the next three years I plan on working my butt off to wrestle at the (Olympic) Trials and hopefully make my first Olympic Team.”
Swanigan didn’t just dominate the girls division. She also wrestled—and often defeated, male opponents, racking up over 100 wins on the boys varsity team. Even injuries couldn’t keep her down. After dislocating her shoulder shortly before the 2022 state tournament, she still fought her way to victory.
She finished second in 2023 before reclaiming the state title as a senior in 2024.
Her success extended to the national stage. At the 2023 Fargo Nationals, Swanigan earned All-American honors, cementing her reputation as one of the nation’s top competitors.
Currently a freshman at William Penn University, Swanigan is studying Exercise Science and training with one of the country’s rising collegiate programs. As a redshirt freshman, she helped her team place fourth overall at the NAIA Third Annual National Championship in March 2025. Two of her Nigerian-born teammates, Christianah Ogunsanya and Esther Kolawole, also claimed national titles.
“I wrestled four (William Penn) tournaments and ended up being ranked 12th in the country,” Swanigan said. “I can only imagine what a full season is going to look like.”
Looking ahead, Swanigan will return to Michigan next season to continue training as a member of the Rochester Christian University wrestling team, with her sights firmly set on the USA Olympic Team.
Making history was Fowlerville High Senior Margaret Buurma in the 145 weight-class as she became the first female to win four individual state titles by defeating Belicia Manuel, a junior from Romeo High in front of 24,000 people in attendance at the State Championship over the weekend at Ford Field.
For wrestlers like Nayeli Duron, the growth of the sport has been transformative, even in a short amount of time.
“Even in my short time I have seen it grow so much,” Duron said. “I used to wrestle almost all boys, and now a girl can actually have a career wrestling all girls!”
Her words reflect a broader reality: the doors that once seemed closed are now opening wide for female athletes across Michigan.
By the Numbers
INFORMATION BELOW HIGHLIGHTS THE EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OF GIRLS WRESTLING IN MICHIGAN AND TIMELINE OF KEY MILESTONES SHOW THE SPORT HAS QUICKLY EVOLED IN MICHIGAN:
Challenges Persist
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Many schools still lack girls-only teams, and resources such as uniforms, coaching staff, and mat time are often limited.
“There’s still a long way to go,” said Coach Tucker. “We need more trained female coaches, more support from administrations, and consistent funding. This isn’t just a moment—it has to be a movement.”
Resistance and cultural stigmas also persist in some districts, where female athletes face pushback for joining what some still consider a “boys’ sport.” But coaches at both the high school and club level emphasize that mental toughness is just as essential as physical skill.
“You have to be able to embrace challenges and you have to be able to accept failure and be able to accept the challenge of the possible outcome. Mentally it’s just locking yourself into a space that says I can do this and I’m going to be challenged, but I’m going to rise to the occasion,” said Michigan Revolution Head Coach Mario Flores, speaking about the mentality and effort it takes to reach the State Championship. “I’m here representing women’s wrestling in Michigan, our club (Michigan Revolution), and just women’s wrestling as a body.”
Coaches like Flores have played a pivotal role in preparing elite athletes not just for high school competition, but for national and international stages, instilling a mindset of resilience and pride in being part of the sport’s growth.
A Cultural Shift in the Making
Experts say the rise of girls wrestling in Michigan is more than just a sports story—it’s a social one. The growth reflects broader cultural shifts toward gender equity and athletic inclusion.
“The data speaks for itself,” Tucker said. “Girls want to wrestle, and they’re excelling when given the chance.”
As more schools establish girls wrestling programs and more young women discover the sport, its future looks increasingly secure. What began as an uphill battle for recognition has become a statewide success story.
“These athletes aren’t just competing, they’re redefining the sport,” said Coach Tucker said.
One thing is certain: the mat no longer belongs to just one gender. And in gyms across Michigan, young women like Olivia Delacruz, Tyler Swanigan, and Nayeli Duron are proving they’re not only here to stay, they’re here to win.
I'm a multimedia journalist covering girls wrestling in Michigan. Follow my reports on my website: https://t.co/oyjC6TYoVl @LansingNewsWire #girlswrestling pic.twitter.com/zYE85T4Rk6
— TANYA GARCIA (@TMGarcia77) July 19, 2025
