Many of those on the Shorewood girls wrestling team got into the sport through family. According to members of the community, connections start early within the sport and only get stronger.
There is a strong bond that forms between teammates and the support they offer each other throughout the season.
Finley Houck and Eliana Vanhorn, both captains and seniors on the Shorewood team, have given an in-depth look into what it is like being on the girls’ wrestling team.
Joining a team gives you not just physical fitness, but mental and emotional strength. “The accomplishment you feel is so amazing because it is so tough; the feeling of winning a match is unlike any other thing I’ve ever imagined,” said Houck.
But wrestling is not just about winning. It is also about the undeniable bond between teammates. “I don’t think I cheered louder than when Libby won state,” Houck said. Every win is celebrated, whether your own or a teammate’s.
“Since we are so close, you feel like you are a part of their journey when they win,” said Vanhorn.
Even when someone does not win, the effort is still celebrated. “You get really close with your wrestlers throughout the season,” Houck said.
If a wrestler is nervous about their scores, there is no need to stress, as the team is there to lift their spirits and offer whatever help and support they may need in the moment.
“Wrestling is a lot different than other sports. No matter where you are, you can always win,” Houck said.
By a person’s own power and the help of their team, everyone is likely to see the spotlight of success at some point throughout their wrestling career, based on the words of the captains and their personal experiences.
“Even finishing a practice, whether you did good or not, it’s just such a big accomplishment for me,” Houck said.
This support even goes outside of school, showing how committed these athletes are.
“I think we really try to get to know each other, and after tournaments we go to team dinners, and on Thanksgiving we go and do a workout,” Houck said.
In the girls wrestling community, there is no pressure to always win, just to improve because you want to be better. The captains stressed that wrestling is a sport for anyone to try, should you be interested.
“Any weight, any body size, any gender, you are going to be accepted and you are going to learn so much,” said Vanhorn.
