A competitive and intense sport like wrestling can look intimidating from far away, one that many students never dare to face. Wrestling, however, is a unique sport that demands mental and physical strength. 

Athens Drive men’s wrestling team has long been full of enthusiastic, spirit-driven wrestlers and athletes ready to compete. However, something as powerful as the quiet rise is happening on the other side of the mat. As of 2025, our women’s wrestling team is made up of six athletes. 

Despite the small roster, these athletes carry a unique experience that motivates them to continue wrestling. That experience formed a mind of discipline, confidence and a place to grow. 

Dylan Thomas, junior, is a part of the women’s wrestling team. She is one of the few girls who took the opportunity to try something new and expand our women’s wrestling team. 

“I originally joined wrestling because my parents had been fans of the NC State Wrestling team for a few years and told me to at least go to one of the preseason workouts to try it out,” said Thomas.

Something as simple as going to an after-school workout can inspire girls to try new things. Athens Drive coaches put in effort to motivate students to show interest in a sport to help the team grow. Coach David Pyper has been an influential presence on the Athens Drive wrestling team, helping the team grow in both skills and creating opportunities. His contribution has developed the program to achieve many accomplishments. 

“I think people should know that the team is really fun to be around and it’s a good thing to be a part of,” said Thomas. 

Wrestling not only proves how strong someone is  but also comes with greater benefits.

“It’s great for physical activity, it’s great for confidence, and just being able to be who you are, meet new friends, and be a part of something different than what you might be part of,” said Coach Pyper.

Wrestling is not a common sport in North Carolina, but it is becoming the fastest-growing sport in high school and college programs. It’s great to see Athens Drive being a part of that percentage. In previous years, the women’s wrestling team consisted of about two to four girls, but as wrestling is being acknowledged around the world, the team is growing, joining and supporting each other.

“The girls’ camaraderie is big; they are just always cheering for each other and always going, it’s really a positive experience, and anybody that comes just really likes this,” said Coach Pyper. 

The women’s wrestling team is still in a growing process and making remarkable changes, in previous years, the women’s wrestling team won the first annual Conference championship, and some even made state. However, these girls have since graduated.

“So we lost kind of our core and were building it back up again, so we have six again. Last year, we only had two, and we have a couple of really good wrestlers, one of our freshmen is already ranked in the state,” said Coach Pyper. 

Many girls come in not knowing anything about wrestling and eventually learn and gain amazing experience. Because there aren’t many experienced wrestlers in the women’s category,  everyone grows together.

As the team grows this year, Coach Pyper hopes to see the women’s wrestling team continue to prosper and achieve new milestones. Student athletes who do track or even cheerleading sometimes take an interest in wrestling, but certain sport seasons overlap and can make it difficult for students to come to a workout. 

“But it would be really fun to have a full team in the next couple of years,” said Coach Pyper. 

Coaches emphasize that no prior experience is needed. Wrestling is a pathway to growth, and together, athletes can grow. With this mindset, the team looks forward to expanding its presence across the school.

Thomas, who has been wrestling for two to three years, encourages more girls to join. Whether someone is coming from cheer, soccer, flag football or even a first-time time sport, the women’s wrestling team is a place where girls can come to grow and learn as a team. As interest continues to rise, Athens Drive may see a new era of women’s wrestling. 

“More girls should join the team because it is really fun and extremely beneficial, especially if they play other sports. There is a really good community around the team,” said Coach Pyper.