There is a huge divide between the opportunities young women have to wrestle in college compared to their male counterparts. In fact, Women’s Wrestling is not even an officially sanctioned NCAA sport. I know, WTF!?
On National Signing Day, a day the internet is abuzz with high school athletes announcing their college commitments, we launched the #WrestleTheGap campaign. Our mission was simple: Spark outrage and put pressure on the NCAA and university athletic directors to grant Women’s Wrestling Emerging Sports Status.
We launched with a film featuring the nations #1 recruit, Emily Shilson, and her sparring partner, 2018 Fargo All-American, Amor Tuttle.
Dir: Brennan Stasiewicz | DP: Adam Uhl
The campaign film and petition went viral. Professional athletes, Olympians, celebrities, politicians and most importantly young women and their parents joined the movement to help more girls gain NCAA academic and athletic opportunities through the world’s oldest sport.
Beyond the conversation swell on social media, the NCAA could not deny the impact of the movement.
“The Wrestle The Gap campaign gave the recommendation for NCAA Emerging Sport status an invaluable spotlight that will help empower all young women who choose to step on the mat with the opportunity to build their mental, physical, emotional, and academic strength.” -Jean Merrill, NCAA Director of Inclusion