After plummeting during the pandemic years, participation in high school sports reached record numbers during the 2024-25 school year. High school wrestling, which is enjoying quite a renaissance, helped drive the increase. Girls wrestling, in particular, is growing rapidly.

A National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) report showed participation in girls wrestling programs increased by 15% since the 2023-24 school year. Over 74,000 girls were involved in wrestling programs at over 8,000 schools nationwide.

Dublin Jerome wrestler Alexandra Picacho-Salas gets the appeal. Salas was recruited to the girls wrestling team by a friend during her sophomore year. Two years later, she’s still at it and loving it. 

“The best part about girls wrestling is how empowering it is for me and my teammates,” says Salas. “It’s one of the fastest-growing sports right now, which proves that girls are crushing traditional barriers in athletics.” She says wrestling has given her and her teammates confidence and mental toughness—character traits that will serve them in all aspects of life.

Salas credits coach Lane Williams for helping her grow and learn a new sport. “He helped me come out of my shell when I first joined wrestling,” Salas explains. “He’s patient and takes time to understand everyone’s way of learning the sport.”

In addition to Williams, Salas lists Isabella Marie Gonzales and Sarah Hildebrandt as her inspirations. Gonzales is a three-time California state wrestling champion. She now competes collegiately for the University of Iowa. Hildebrandt won gold at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.

Salas has enjoyed her share of success on the mat as well. She has earned the Celtic Warrior award and a varsity letter while competing in meets around the state. Last year she was named the first ever girls team captain for Jerome High School. This continued for the 2026 season, where she once again took the spot.

One tough match during a meet with Hilliard Darby captures what wrestling means to her. “The match felt like it lasted forever,” she recalls. “Every time I looked up, I would see my huge family cheering for me—especially my mom.” Salas eventually emerged victorious, and her team, coach and family showered her with congratulations.

Just like the sport itself, Salas has been growing as a person since taking up girls wrestling. “It’s inspiring how my team has changed what it means to be strong,” she says. Given her positive experience, it’s no surprise that Salas wants to encourage girls to give wrestling a chance just like her little sister Lucianna “Roxy” Salas, who is the only girl on Grizzell's boys wrestling team.

“Do not be intimidated by this sport!” she advises. “Wrestling is life changing if you truly set your mind to it.” Thousands of girls nationwide agree, and Salas would love to see more join their ranks.