As a high achieving female wrestler, I am deeply saddened to report the lack of girls' wrestling opportunities in my high school in the New Paltz Central School District. I have won various titles including state champion in January of 2024, and I find it incredibly frustrating that my growth and success in wrestling is just now being stunted simply because no wrestling opportunities exist for girls here. 

This lapse doesn't merely impact me; it affects all aspiring young female athletes in our community who wish to engage in wrestling matches at the school level. The absence of wrestling for girls in our district speaks volumes of the gender disparity in our sports programs which should be addressed promptly - to promote an atmosphere of equality and inclusivity.

Data from the National Wrestling Coaches Association reveals that the participation of girls in wrestling has drastically grown by 400% over the past decade. Despite this growing interest and participation, many schools, including ours, turn a blind eye toward expanding their sports programs to incorporate girls wrestling, effectively halting this positive trend.

This petition is not just about the fastest growing sport in America, girls’ wrestling - it's about gender equal opportunities. By denying girls a chance to wrestle, the district is preventing them from reaping the benefits that sports participation can offer - enhanced self-esteem, improved physical and emotional health, and greater academic success. 

We need our district to understand the importance of offering girls wrestling, not just for the sake of fairness, but to nurture the aspirations of young female wrestlers like me. Let's ask the New Paltz Central School District to establish girls' wrestling opportunities and further promote gender equal opportunities in New Paltz athletics.

Please sign this petition to support girls' wrestling in New Paltz Central School District.