This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Wrestle Like a Girl Summit at the National Wrestling & Performance Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The event brought together more than 150 athletes, coaches, parents, and advocates for a one-day experience focused on growing the culture and performance of girls’ and women’s wrestling. The theme—“Celebrating the Climb. Elevating the Future.”—set the tone for an inspiring day.
I attended with my daughter, Remy, and Resilite’s Director of Marketing, Heather Stapf. Being surrounded by so many passionate high school wrestlers was both energizing and deeply inspiring.
Celebrating the Climb
Elisa Lackey, Director of Women's Wrestling at Pennsylvania USA Wrestling, opened with a powerful reminder: girls’ wrestling is no longer an “emerging” sport—it’s here to stay. Her call to action was clear—invest in athletes, strengthen mentorship, build partnerships, and expand college opportunities so every girl who steps on the mat knows she belongs.
Building Team Culture
Matt Lackey, Head Women’s Wrestling Coach at Lock Haven University, spoke about building team culture on mission, values, and accountability. He reminded us that while only a small percentage of wrestlers reach championships, the lessons the rest carry—discipline, resilience, and the ability to face adversity—last a lifetime. His focus on gratitude, the “yet” mindset, and compounding daily habits really resonated.
Mindset Matters
Josh Bailer of Performance Edge encouraged athletes to “let it fly”—to focus less on opponents or outside expectations and more on competing with freedom and confidence. It was a message that reached far beyond the mat, about showing up with courage instead of fear.
Different Journeys, Same Passion
At my roundtable, I spoke with two wrestlers just starting their journeys. One had a full girls’ lineup and administrative support but limited booster-club backing. The other practiced with a boys’ team while working to recruit more girls. Their different paths underscored both the progress and the work still ahead for girls’ and women’s wrestling in Pennsylvania.
Our Commitment Since 1959
As President of Resilite Sports Products, I left Lancaster feeling proud that our company plays a role in supporting this movement.
Resilite is proud to have partnered with Wrestle Like a Girl (WLAG) since 2021. WLAG works to empower girls and women through wrestling to become leaders in life. We have been committed to the growth of wrestling since 1959 and our partnership continues that legacy today.
For over six decades, athletes at every level—from youth programs to world-class competitors—have trained and competed on Resilite mats made right here in Pennsylvania. As the sport evolves, our commitment to supporting opportunities for girls and women remains unwavering. It’s inspiring to see the next generation build their legacy on those same mats.
Join the Conversation
The summit reinforced that women’s wrestling is about more than wins and losses—it’s about community, opportunity, and legacy. Sharing this experience with my daughter and my colleague made it even more meaningful. The future of girls’ and women’s wrestling has never looked brighter.
We’d love to hear from you: What’s been your experience with women’s wrestling? Whether as an athlete, coach, or parent, how is the sport growing in your community?
