From the Mat to Scholarships, How a High School Tournament Founder Transformed a vision into empowering Futures.

Columbia, MO – December 30, 2023 – In a dazzling showcase of skill, determination, and sheer talent, the 5th Annual Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament proved to be a resounding success, drawing in over 2000 spectators eager to witness the prowess of some of the nation’s most formidable high school female wrestlers. The tournament, now in its fifth year, has evolved into a beacon of excellence, featuring 30 nationally ranked competitors and five power-packed nationally ranked teams vying for the coveted Wonder Women championship belts and team trophies.

The Wonder Women Tournament has become synonymous with showcasing rising stars in the world of high school female wrestling, and this year was no exception. With 36 nationally ranked competitors, the tournament demonstrated exponential growth in both participants and talent, solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the wrestling community.

This year, the Wonder Women Tournament hosted an impressive 80 teams, representing seven states across the nation. The diversity and caliber of talent were evident as competitors from Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Florida, and Nebraska grappled their way through intense brackets. Each state brought its A-game, with representatives making their mark in the finals, proving that the Wonder Women Tournament has become a national stage for high school female wrestling excellence. Nixa High School from Missouri clinched the championship title. Ranked at #24 in the country, Nixa High School triumphed over higher-ranked competitors, including the formidable #7 Matanzas High School (FL), #10 Bixby High School (OK), #11 Union High School (OK), #12 Lebanon High School (MO), and the honorable mention Liberty High School (MO). Their journey to the top exemplifies the essence of the Wonder Women Tournament—unveiling the unexpected and celebrating the triumph of talent.

Not only has the Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament solidified its status as one of the toughest in the nation, but it also goes beyond the mat. The tournament, now powered by the Wonder Women Foundation of Wrestling (WWOWF), awards three $1000 scholarships to senior competitors who submit essays to their essay contest. This initiative not only recognizes athletic prowess but also values academic and expressive excellence among the Wonder Women participants.

The WWOWF doesn’t stop at scholarships; it actively collaborates with collegiate coaches, providing recruitment information to help wrestlers enhance their chances of competing at the next level in college. By bridging the gap between high school and collegiate wrestling, the WWOWF empowers young athletes to pursue their dreams and aspirations beyond the Wonder Women Tournament, leaving a lasting impact on the future of women’s wrestling.

As the curtains fall on the 5th Annual Wonder Women Wrestling Tournament, it leaves behind a legacy of growth, talent, and memorable moments. The competition showcased the strength, skill, and resilience of high school female wrestlers from across the nation, reaffirming the Wonder Women Tournament as a platform that continues to elevate the sport to new heights. Cheers to the champions, the rising stars, and the spirit of Wonder Women wrestling, both on and off the mat!

2023 Tournament Results: https://wonderwomenwrestling.org