Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast
Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast gives parents, coaches, and athletes a simple, honest look at girls' wrestling in Illinois—from youth and kids clubs to middle school and high school girls' wrestling. Each episode answers real parent questions (like “What’s the best age to start girls wrestling?”), shares stories from the mat, and helps families understand how to support their daughters in this fast-growing sport.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
In episode 3, The Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast with host Lena explores whether middle school is the best time to start wrestling, sharing real stories, expert tips, and practical guidance for athletes, parents, and coaches.
This episode covers school teams versus club options, girls competing in boys divisions, USA Wrestling membership, tournament opportunities, training commitments, and balancing academics and family life.
Hear a candid conversation with middle school wrestler Bella and her mom, Gina, about first practices, memorable matches, time management, and encouragement for girls and families considering the sport.
--------------------------------------
New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)!
----------
We are a baby podcast with a huge mission, and we would love your help - share the success of Girls' wrestling in the State of Illinois. If you like what you see, leave us a review (we heard that it really helps), subscribe, and share our podcast with other wrestling families
----------
Want to be our guest? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/3CAjj1b6XcrgJA1v7. We are looking for insights from club and team coaches, expertise from industry professionals, and inspiring stories from girls wrestlers. You can also email us at ilgirlswrestling@gmail.com
----------
Looking for a club to join? Start your search at https://www.ikwf.org/clubs
Ready to learn more about USA Wrestling? https://www.themat.com/
Join the discussion at FB group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hayuBGgw/
See girls wrestling grow
Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list
--------------------------------------------
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
In episode 2, host Lena breaks down when to start wrestling — tots (6 and under), bantams (7–8), and intermediates (9–10) — covering readiness, what to expect at tournaments, season and age rules, registration costs, and common benefits and challenges of beginning young.
Featuring Coach Jay of Wheeling Wildcats, this episode offers practical milestones, tournament and practice advice, tips to avoid burnout, and guidance on balancing other sports. The show’s mission is to build a supportive Illinois girls wrestling community while sharing insights useful to all families.
Learn more about the Wheeling Wildcat Wrestling Club at https://www.wheelingwildcatwrestling.com and https://www.instagram.com/wildcatsclubwrestling/
--------------------------------------
New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)!
----------
We are a baby podcast with a huge mission, and we would love your help - share the success of Girls' wrestling in the State of Illinois. If you like what you see, leave us a review (we heard that it really helps), subscribe, and share our podcast with other wrestling families
----------
Want to be our guest? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/3CAjj1b6XcrgJA1v7. We are looking for insights from club and team coaches, expertise from industry experts, and inspiring stories from girls-wrestlers. You can also email us at ilgirlswrestling@gmail.com
----------
Looking for a club to join? Start your search at https://www.ikwf.org/clubs
Ready to learn more about USA Wrestling? https://www.themat.com/
Join the discussion at FB group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hayuBGgw/
See girls wrestling grow
Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list--------------------------------------------
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
Tuesday Nov 25, 2025
In episode 1, hosts Lena and Alex introduce a podcast dedicated to empowering, informing, and celebrating the growing community of girls wrestling in Illinois. As wrestling parents, they share their experiences and explain why this show exists: to help new families navigate the sport and build community.
This episode covers the essentials — the difference between folkstyle and freestyle, must-have gear, tournaments and brackets, local regulations, and how to find support and resources specific to Illinois. Listeners will hear stories from athletes and learn practical tips for getting started.
--------------------------------------
New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)!
----------
We are a baby podcast with a huge mission, and we would love your help - share the success of Girls' wrestling in the State of Illinois. If you like what you see, leave us a review (we heard that it really helps), subscribe, and share our podcast with other wrestling families
----------
Want to be our guest? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/3CAjj1b6XcrgJA1v7. We are looking for insights from club and team coaches, expertise from industry experts, and inspiring stories from girls-wrestlers. You can also email us at ilgirlswrestling@gmail.com
----------
Looking for a club to join? Start your search at https://www.ikwf.org/clubs
Ready to learn more about USA Wrestling? https://www.themat.com/
Join the discussion in the FB group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hayuBGgw/
See girls wrestling grow
Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list
--------------------------------------------
Read on!
Explore our wrestling-related articles for practical tips, real-world advice, and inspiring stories from the Illinois girls wrestling community. From beginner FAQs and tournament prep to training mindset, nutrition, and gear guides, these posts are designed to help parents and athletes feel confident—on and off the mat. Check back often for new reads that support your season and celebrate the wrestlers putting in the work every day.