Historic Girls Wrestling Championship Crowned in South Carolina

News Summary

In a landmark event, the inaugural girls wrestling dual-team champions were crowned in South Carolina, highlighting the significant growth of girls wrestling in the state. With 16 teams competing, Rock Hill’s Jenger Rhoades secured a victory over Greenwood’s Gabby Palmore. This championship not only marks a historic milestone in girls wrestling but also reflects a national trend where participation among young female wrestlers has surged, with South Carolina witnessing over 600 girls participating this year.

Historic Girls Wrestling Championship Crowned in South Carolina

In the bustling town of Rock Hill, South Carolina, a remarkable transformation has taken place in the world of sports – especially for young women looking to lace up their wrestling shoes. Just eight years ago, a curious girl named Reagan Beard approached her father, the wrestling coach at Rock Hill High School, to ask when she could start wrestling. Little did she know, that moment would spark a movement that has reshaped the landscape of girls wrestling across the state.

Back then, girls had limited opportunities on the wrestling front, often finding themselves competing on boys’ teams. Fast forward to February 10, 2025, and the scene was entirely different at Dreher High School, where girls wrestling took center stage in a landmark event. In an emotional showdown, Jenger Rhoades from Rock Hill pinned Gabby Palmore from Greenwood, securing the Rock Hill Bearcats as the inaugural girls wrestling dual-team champions in South Carolina.

Making History

This championship is extra special, marking the first time in state history that a school has been crowned as a girls dual wrestling state champion. The atmosphere was electric, with 16 teams battling it out in the competition, all made possible thanks to the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) sanctioning girls wrestling just three years prior. Before this dual-team event, girls had competed separately for two seasons in individual championships, paving the way for this significant milestone.

The championship not only showcased exceptional talent but also highlighted the impressive growth of girls wrestling within the state. In fact, the number of participating schools reached 18 this playoff season, exceeding the minimum requirement of 12 to officially crown a champion. Participation numbers have skyrocketed, with 637 girls stepping onto the mats this year, a huge jump from just 365 the year before. This boom reflects a broader trend happening across the country, where the number of girls wrestling nationally surged from 31,654 in the 2021-22 season to over 64,000 in just two years!

Inspiration and Empowerment

With 47 states now hosting girls-sanctioned wrestling championships and the NCAA recognizing women’s wrestling as a championship sport across all divisions, it’s clear that support for female athletes is on the rise. Young women like Serenity Davis have also joined in this wave of enthusiasm; after transitioning from cheerleading to wrestling—enthusiastically encouraged by her sister—Davis currently ranks No. 1 in SCMat’s 105-pound rankings.

Another inspiring athlete, Brismar Velasquez, found her passion for wrestling after seeing her brothers compete. Making the switch from basketball to wrestling has brought her immense joy, and like many of her peers, she admits that she likely wouldn’t have even considered the sport if competition had remained limited to boys.

From Limitation to Empowerment

Coaches emphasize that persistence and determination are key components in their training regimen, treating their female athletes with the same level of challenge and expectations as their male counterparts. This supportive atmosphere fuels the growth of girls wrestling and helps these young women thrive on the mat.

The rise of initiatives like “Wrestle Like a Girl,” founded by Olympic wrestler Sally Roberts, further empowers girls in the wrestling world. This program aims to inspire young women through wrestling, creating a strong community and encouraging them to stand tall in their passion for the sport.

From humble beginnings just a few years ago to historic championships, South Carolina is witnessing a revolution in girls wrestling that is making waves far beyond the mats. With each pin, each cheer, and each triumph, these incredible athletes redefine what it means to be a wrestler, showcasing their strength, courage, and determination to the world.

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Additional Resources

• The State: Historic Girls Wrestling Championship Crowned in South Carolina
• Wikipedia: Women’s Wrestling
• Myrtle Beach Online: Girls Wrestling Highlights
• Google Search: Girls wrestling championship South Carolina
• AOL: Rock Hill Girls Wrestling News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wrestling
• Post and Courier: Area Athletes in Wrestling Rankings
• Google News: Wrestling South Carolina