TYLER SWANIGAN

From Tyler: 

I started wrestling when I was just 8 years old, and back then, the sport felt very different than it does now. Women’s wrestling wasn’t as big or as recognized as it is today. Opportunities for female wrestlers were limited, and seeing girls on the mat was rare. In most cases, we had to compete against boys just to get a match. That was the reality of the sport at the time, but for me, it wasn’t discouraging—it was a challenge I was excited to take on. Wrestling gave me a sense of purpose and belonging, even in those early days when the path ahead wasn’t clear.

As I grew in the sport, I realized that I wasn’t just wrestling for myself—I was part of something bigger. Slowly, more girls began stepping onto the mat, and I felt proud to be part of a movement that was helping to grow women’s wrestling. I wasn’t just competing to win matches; I was showing others that girls belonged in this sport and could thrive in it. That sense of responsibility made me appreciate the wrestling community even more. It wasn’t just about individual victories—it was about building a legacy and creating space for others.

Looking back, starting wrestling at 8 was one of the best decisions of my life. It wasn’t always easy being one of the only girls in a sport dominated by boys, but it taught me resilience, determination, and how to fight for what matters. Wrestling has given me so much—a family, a sense of peace, and a community that feels like home. And now, seeing how far women’s wrestling has come, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride to have been part of its growth. It’s not just a sport—it’s a way of life, and I’m grateful for every lesson, every bond, and every challenge it’s brought me.