In Fairfax County, excitement fills the air as students and coaches gear up for the winter sports season. Basketball, gymnastics, swimming and diving, and track & field are among traditional sports making a return. But this year, there’s another addition to the roster: girls’ wrestling. Following the introduction of boys’ volleyball, girls’ wrestling is now becoming a reality as several schools embrace this change.
The Justice Lady Wolves kicked off their season with a scrimmage at West Springfield High School on November 23. Justice Head Coach Benjamin Alvarado expressed his enthusiasm for the new program, stating, “A lot of things are on the horizon. I look forward to seeing what our girls could do but I’m looking forward to how the county handles it as a whole.” He indicated that many of the girls come from different backgrounds, some having previous wrestling experience against boys from strong programs.
Last season, one standout athlete, Sophia Cardoza, made waves as she secured second place in the state tournament despite wrestling on a boys’ team. “We’re really looking forward to what she can do this year,” Alvarado noted, mentioning her strong character and determination. Coach Alvarado emphasized the importance of challenging environments, as Sophia tends to thrive when faced with difficulty.
The anticipation surrounding the girls’ wrestling program is heavy, especially since it has been a long time coming. Alvarado mentioned, “There was always talk about it… but there was never separation until this year.” With dedicated facilities and support, female wrestlers now have the opportunity to compete on their own terms.
The coaching staff expects some challenges with less experienced athletes joining the sport, but Alvarado is committed to inclusive training. “The takeaway will go with you through life and in everything that you do,” he shared. With this newfound opportunity, Justice High School’s girls’ wrestling program aims to create a legacy on the mat while empowering young women through the sport.
