Just As Strong As The Guys
Three wrestlers give their insight on what it’s like to be a female wrestler
February 19, 2020
(Left to right) Lillia Clay, Janna Stevenson and Elektra Lowe have been key contributors to the wrestling team this season.
It is said by some that wrestling is a sport for guys only, that girls are too weak to play such a tough sport. But there are three girls on the wrestling team this year to break that stereotype. Freshmen Lillia Clay and Elektra Lowe joined senior Janna Stevenson on the wrestling team and hope to get more girls for next season.
Wrestling is a tough sport that isn’t made for everyone.
“You have to have strong mental strength to be a wrestler. If you don’t have a strong mentality, then you won’t be able to handle the stress that wrestling can bring,” Clay said.
Being one of the few female wrestlers on the team is a very big deal for Lowe. She states that Stevenson was actually her inspiration behind wanting to be on the wrestling team.
“As an 8th grader, I saw Janna. She wrestled for Red and Blue. I saw how she wrestled and that got me interested in the sport,” Lowe said.
Stevenson, who is a two-time state qualifier, feels very honored that other girls look up to her.
“It makes me feel proud of my accomplishments because it has helped to inspire other people to join wrestling as well,” Stevenson said.
It makes me feel proud of my accomplishments because it has helped to inspire other people to join wrestling as well.
— Janna Stevenson
It’s become a well-discussed topic if female wrestlers get any backlash or rude comments about being female wrestlers. It is actually quite the opposite for these girls, though.
“People actually show me a lot of respect,” Lowe said. “They give us as much respect as they do for the males.”
Clay added, “People are really nice about it. They say things like, ‘Wow I can’t believe that a girl is doing stuff like that.’”
With all of the great benefits that the sport brings, it also comes with a couple of negatives.
“Practicing with the guys can be a little awkward. Wrestling is all about grabbing and pulling. And with the opposite genders, you can see how that would be a little weird,” Clay said.
Still, overall the girls really love their sport and they have a great time doing what they are the best at.
Jessica, Elektra's Lowe's Mom | Feb 25, 2020 at 1:50 pm
We are so proud of all the girls on this team of three. They have overcame the fear so many have about a rough sport to accomplish what they love doing. I know our daughter, Elektra, loves to wrestle and will continue to encourage and promote the sport she loves. We are so happy Coach Haynes is the type of coach who inspires our young ladies to put that 110% into a sport he loves as well. Having a coach like him will also continue to encourage more females to join the world of wrestling. Our daughter amazes me each time she hits the mats. Keep it up, and aim for the stars! We love you Mom and Dad.