In recent years, women’s wrestling has been one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and yet many colleges still do not offer official women’s teams; only 38 of 429 NCAA Division III colleges provide women’s teams. While some institutions allow female wrestlers to compete with their male teammates, this approach fails to provide true equity and representation, as it does not create the same equal space for female athletes as it does for their male counterparts.

More institutions, both on the collegiate and high school level, need to officially establish women’s wrestling teams to create equitable athletic opportunities, foster leadership and provide role models for younger athletes.

Ithaca College introduced its women’s wrestling team this year, comprising of nine registered athletes. Two upperclassmen have been allowed to compete at the varsity level, despite their lack of practice options in their previous collegiate years.

One of the most powerful effects of a women’s wrestling team is the ability to inspire younger female athletes. The amount of female athletic role models for younger girls is currently lacking, but the addition of more teams at the collegiate level may lead to more professional female athletes.

The current two female wrestlers competing on IC’s varsity level team serve as real time role models, further proving that young women can succeed in traditionally male-dominated sports. When young girls see athletes that look like them competing at high levels, it increases their confidence and participation.

While Title IX prohibits educational institutions from discrimination based on sex and requires equitable athletic opportunities for all genders, true equity means visibility, dedicated coaching, recruitment and the ability to compete against women’s teams — not just being allowed to join men’s teams.

Male wrestlers have access to programs, funding and recognition that female athletes lack. By incorporating women’s teams, colleges place their female athletes on the same pedestal as their male counterparts.

IC’s reputation as a competitive DIII athletic program makes it an ideal environment for launching a strong, successful women’s wrestling team. The college already boasts many successful programs and a supportive culture for both men’s and women’s sports.

By establishing its women’s wrestling program competing at the same level alongside the men’s, IC not only empowers its female athletes, but also serves as a symbol for the broader movement toward equity in sports.

Creating space for women on the mat helps redefine what strength, leadership and opportunity look like, not only for this generation of young girls, but for all of those to come.