Excitement Builds for Girls’ Wrestling at Justice High School
Falls Church, VA – As winter settles in, several high school sports are gaining momentum, including basketball, gymnastics, swimming, and track & field. This year, however, there’s buzz around a new sport making its debut in the county: girls’ wrestling. In a significant change, the Fairfax County Public Schools introduced girls’ wrestling alongside boys’ volleyball, expanding the opportunities for female athletes.
The Justice Lady Wolves have kicked off their preparation with a scrimmage held at West Springfield High School on November 23. Head Coach Benjamin Alvarado expressed his enthusiasm about the addition of this program. “A lot of things are on the horizon. I look forward to seeing what our girls could do,” he stated, highlighting the range of talent among his athletes. Alvarado noted that some of the female wrestlers have experience competing alongside boys in well-known programs.
With a history of cultivating girls’ talent within an all-boys roster, Alvarado is optimistic about what the Wolves can achieve this season. He remarked, “Wrestling is a sport that relies on a lot of trickery,” and now the girls have their chance to shine. Highlighting last season’s success, he mentioned Sophia Cardoza, who secured second place in the state tournament while wrestling with the boys. “We’re really looking forward to what she can do this year,” Alvarado said, adding that Cardoza’s challenges have shaped her strong character.
Despite not having extensive experience in wrestling, Cardoza is determined to make a mark. “She was going against guys in the 300s,” Alvarado explained. He believes she will not be easily outperformed on the mat. “I really see big things coming out of her this year.” There has been anticipation for a girls’ wrestling program for a long time, with the desire growing particularly over the past two years. Alvarado underlined this as a pivotal moment for female wrestlers at Justice, saying, “It’s really a great time to be a female wrestler.”
Alvarado acknowledges the experienced wrestlers are crucial in attracting newcomers to this newly formed team. He anticipates a learning curve for the less experienced athletes but emphasizes inclusion as a key part of the team’s philosophy. “The takeaway will go with you through life and in everything that you do,” he mentioned. “It shows up in so many aspects from the smallest things like overcoming adversity to achieving big goals. Life is a wrestling match.”
As the Justice Lady Wolves embark on this fresh journey, there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air, paving the way for what could be a thrilling season of girls’ wrestling.
