New High School Sports on the Horizon: Empowering Girls Through Athletic Opportunities
First place State Champion, Alycia Perez celebrating with Head Coach, Al Guevara.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to expand athletic opportunities for
girls in high schools across the country. While traditional sports like basketball, soccer,
and volleyball have long been staples of high school athletics, there is a push to
introduce new and innovative sports that cater to the interests and talents of female
athletes. These emerging sports not only provide girls with new avenues for physical
activity and competition but also promote inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment on and
off the field.
As Founder of Go! Go! Sports Girls, Jodi Norgaard shares, “Physical activity is
associated with improved academic achievement, healthy body image, reduced stress,
better sleeping habits and positive effects in self-esteem, goal setting and leadership.”
The benefits extend into adulthood. Adolescents who play sports are eight times as
likely to be active at age twenty-four compared to those who did not play sports.
According to research conducted by Ernest & Young, 94 percent of women who hold C-
suite level positions are former athletes.
At Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, girls sports are doing just that.
Providing opportunities for equality and empowerment.
One exciting new sport gaining traction in high schools is girls wrestling. Originally, a
predominantly male-dominated sport, wrestling has seen a surge in popularity among
girls in the three years it has become an IHSA sport. Boys head coach, Pat McCluskey
welcomed the thought of a division just for girls. “There are no excuses not to wrestle
now”. Before the separation of the two genders, awkwardness was felt on both sides of
the mat when a girl participated in the boys division. “The advent of a girls team means
there is an equal split and more opportunity for athletes to fill two line-ups at every
weight class.”
Al Guevara sums up the switch to coach girls. He spent five years coaching boys
before the new opening presented itself. Guevara is going into his fourth season as the
girls head coach. “It means the world. Seeing the progression from the beginning of the
season to the end is rewarding in and of itself. They’re breaking down gender
stereotypes and being part of a fast-growing community. At the same time, wrestling
isn’t the most popular sport and having access isn’t always available as say, a
basketball court, so these girls are pioneers in athletics and finding success. It’s
empowering.” Both head wrestling coaches agree about the positive traits wrestling
cultivates. Along with I CAN DO THIS mentality becoming the norm.
The 2024 season finish was truly exceptional as the program captured two first place
State finishes. Alycia Perez won her 100# weight class, the first in Glenbard West girls
history. (Collin Carrigan at 165# also won first which had not been done since 1966.)
There’s been fast and furious growth each season and the ability to hit the podium was
not the same when the girls were combined with boys.
Education about the sport is still needed and the high school provides opportunities for
youth levels and high school mentorship opportunities to get involved. Wrestling
begins in November. For more information about girls wrestling reach out
Another emerging sport on the horizon for high school girls is flag football. Known for its
physicality, teamwork, and strategic play, flag football is gaining momentum as a sport
that empowers girls to break barriers and challenge societal norms. With its emphasis
on inclusivity and sportsmanship, flag football offers a unique opportunity for girls to
develop leadership skills, build camaraderie, and foster a sense of community both on
and off the field. I was able to “flag” down new head football coach, Stephanie Brezwyn
for a chat to learn about Glenbard West’s newest girl sport. Coach Brezwyn coached
volleyball for years, but growing up football was always a huge part of her family. When
IHSA announced girls flag football last year, Brezwyn inquired about its interest at
District 87. Glenbard West Athletic Director, Joe Kain now has another sport to manage
and if the numbers deem it, the sport will be IHSA sponsored (vs. club) in 2025.
Next was finding the right fit to assist with coaching. Brezwyn states Kain was
instrumental in securing, PE teacher, Jon Schweighardt, former WR from Northwestern
who played high school football at neighboring high school, Wheaton Warrenville South.
“I knew with the lack of playing experience, we needed someone like ‘Coach Schwags’
to bring us all up to speed.” The sport attracted 38 girls with 15 completely new to
playing a team sport all together. Others are multi-sport athletes participating in
wrestling, basketball and soccer. “This season has been tough without a summer
camp or many practices, but we want to be competitive and win games.” Brezwyn said.
Sports like wrestling and flag football are emerging as the popular choices for high
school girls looking to expand their athletic horizons. “Sports not only provide girls with
opportunities for physical fitness and competition, but also promote teamwork,
resilience, and self-confidence”, mentions Kevin Graham, head girls tennis coach at
West. Graham has added mental performance training by his student athlete’s request.
As high schools continue to diversify their sports offerings and create more
opportunities for female athletes to showcase their athleticism and compete at a high
level. These new and innovative sports not only provide girls with a platform to
showcase their talents and passion for athletics, but also empower them to challenge
stereotypes, break boundaries, and thrive in a supportive and inclusive athletic
environment. The horizon is bright for high school sports played by girls, and the
possibilities are endless.
Julie Mackey is mental performance mastery certified coach, mobility coach,
mindfulness meditation, 500hr certified registered yoga teacher and the founder of Flex
Your Mind, Muscle, Might. Julie teaches athletes how to build recovery practices that
allow them to reduce stress, anxiety, prevent burnout and decrease injury.