As the mom of a little girl who has wrestled since she was 4, and now is 9, I’ve witnessed the recent explosion of enthusiasm around women’s wrestling and love that Iowa is at the forefront. I love that Iowa is leading the way in raising a generation of girls and young women who aren’t afraid to step on the mat and try new things. Or who are afraid, and do it anyway. This next generation of girls is going to know how to lose with grace. They’re going to know how to manage anxiety. They’re going to be strong and smart and leaders — not just on the mat, but in the classroom, in the workforce, and in their communities. And I want to do everything I can to support those girls as they grow into women, compete at the collegiate level, and then chase down their dreams of competing internationally. The IWWC embodies that mission of supporting team-oriented female wrestlers aiming to represent the state and battle at the highest level, and I couldn’t be more honored to play even a small role in that. 

– Vanessa Hughes, IWWC Board Member