Welcome to the Maryland State Wrestling Association’s Women’s Program! I am thrilled and honored to serve as your new Women’s Director. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen the presence and impact on women’s wrestling across Maryland. Our state is home to passionate athletes, dedicated coaches, and supportive families, all of whom are essential to the growth of this dynamic sport.

Our Goals:

              Short-Term Goals

• Increase Participation: Host events and clinics to inspire more young women to join the wrestling community.
• Improve Accessibility: Implement efficient scheduling and planning to ensure every female wrestling has access to competitive opportunities.
• Enhance Communication: Establish transparent and consistent communication between athletes, parents, and coaches to foster trust and collaboration.

Long-Term Goals

• Build a Sustainable Foundation: Develop partnerships with schools, clubs, and national organizations to provide resources and support for women’s wrestling programs.
• Promote Inclusion and Diversity: Ensure every athlete feels valued and supported, regardless of their experience level or background.
• Mentorship and Growth: Create mentorship opportunities that connect young wrestlers with experienced athletes and coaches to encourage growth both on and off the mat.

Why Women’s Wrestling Matters

Women’s wrestling is more than sport – it’s a movement. It teaches strength, discipline, resilience, and confidence, qualities that empower young women to succeed in all areas of life. By championing women’s wrestling in Maryland, we are not only building athletes but also shaping future leaders and role models.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or supporter, I invite you to join us in this exciting journey. Together, we will create a thriving, inclusive, and supportive community that ensures the long-term success of women’s wrestling in Maryland.

Thank you for your support and dedication. Let’s make history together!

Warm Regards,

Chris Dyke

Maryland has a short, but rich history when it comes to women’s wrestling. The first Olympic Gold Medal for the United States of America in women's wrestling was won by a Marylander, Helen Maroulis, at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. After winning the gold medal in 2016, Maroulis represented the United States twice, collecting bronze medals in the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Maroulis has also won numerous medals at the World Championships and the Pan-American Games.

Maryland has gone on to more success in all age groups. Taina Fernandez represented the United States and Maryland in the 17U World Championships and walked away with the gold medal. Fellow 17U World Team member Alex Szkotnicki also represented Maryland internationally at the World Championships. 

In 2019, Maryland became one of the first states to sanction girl’s wrestling at the high school level. Years prior, Maryland also invested in a women’s invitational to help gain momentum and growth in women’s wrestling.

Each year, the list of All-Americans continues to grow at USA Wrestling national events and the Maryland State Wrestling Association hopes to continue this legacy.

The MSWA operates the Folkstyle State Championship for girls in the K-8th grade, as well as the Freestyle/Greco Roman State Championships each year in the spring.

Girl’s and Women’s Wrestling are among the fastest-growing sports in the country. If you have started your journey or are just exploring the idea of wrestling, reach out to Chris Dyke at [email protected]. There are plenty of events across the State of Maryland to see if it is a right fit for you or your wrestler. There are also plenty of smaller, local tournaments that you will find online or on social media.

The Headhunter Wrestling Club hosts a National Team practice once a week on Sundays with Women’s National Team Coach Justin Wildy [email protected]