Masters of Style: Women of RUDIS
Determination, perseverance, and skill have always reigned supreme in wrestling, and there is a new wave of champions impressing us all with their prowess. Women wrestlers are redefining style and strength. They are mastering the game and are writing themselves into the competition.
Women share the space in wrestling that they currently do because women wrestlers of today did not let anything stop them from accomplishing greatness. They created a stage in a male-dominant sport where girls everywhere can see themselves reflected as fighters, champions, and masters of their domain.
It was girls like Sarah Hildebrandt and Kayla Miracle who had the bravery to step onto the mat at the highest level, even when there weren’t any other girls to compete against. Like Amit Elor, who made history as the youngest American to win a senior world title and the first American to win three gold medals (U20, U23, and Seniors) in the same year. The women of RUDIS have brought home eight world medals at the senior level. They are more than just athletes; they are trendsetters and role models. They have commanded attention, demanded respect, and inspired girls everywhere to do the same.
Pioneers in the world of wrestling, the Women of RUDIS joined the greats and helped turn the sport into one of the fastest-growing for girls nationwide. They have removed any question about whether or not wrestling is for girls by staying true to their individual styles. With every match, they have showcased their physical skill and uniqueness, proving that strength and femininity go hand in hand. These women have mastered the art of confidence with style, making it known that they are here to stay for the long
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Pre-Competition Ritual
Leading up to a competition, I like to visualize the warm-up, the environment, and wrestling my matches from start to finish. On competition day, I always eat a lot of carbs. Honey, bagels, pretzels, electrolytes, and gummies are my go-to. Close to my match, I will take moments to reevaluate my nerves; attempting to feel calmer or more nervous so that I will have the perfect balance of adrenaline and focus.
Wrestling style
I would describe my wrestling style as pressure and control. Forward movement with hand fighting to open up my attacks. I did judo when I was younger so one of my go-to moves is a hip toss. I’ve often heard people describe my style as “bulldozer.”
Personal style
Off the mat, I almost always wear workout clothes and you will rarely see me with my hair down. Comfort is most important for me. I generally like more conservative clothing. When I first started wrestling, it took me so long to get used to wearing a singlet. I love my old worn-in clothes; it always takes me time to get used to new clothes. Blue, red, and black are some of my favorite colors to wear.
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Pre-Competition Ritual
The day before I leave, I do a lot of self-care. I get my eyebrows and nails done and go to the store to buy anything I need. That night, I do a pamper night, including shaving, exfoliating, hair & face masks. The next morning, when I wake up, I always make sure that all my important things are packed, including my pink RUDIS socks, my favorite color.
Wrestling style
My wrestling style is explosive and quick. I blast through my opponents with the double, but I’m also very slick and fast in scrambles and other takedowns. I developed this style because I wrestled boys growing up and needed to learn how to adapt to beat them. It just naturally became a part of my style. People have described my style as dominant because I’m always willing to score points, and I’m a shooter, so I’m not boring to watch.
Personal style
I don’t like dressing up as a wrestler. Wrestling is most of my life, so I use my style to express my true self. I like leaving my hair down in an Afro, and I love the blonde in my hair because you can see how pretty the curls are. I love wearing crop tops because they’re comfy, and I worked hard for my body. My go-to is a crop top and joggers, but to emphasize my legs, I love wearing skirts and flare pants; it helps me embrace my height. I usually wear black, but I do like hints of color because it looks nice on my dark skin. Sometimes I love doing an all-white outfit because the contrast of my skin and the white looks really pretty.
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Pre-Competition Ritual
I try not to build any rituals, or things I NEED to do. I definitely want to have a light, go with the flow feel and what that exactly is can change competition to competition. But for the most part, if my family is around, I like to spend a lot of time with them. They are fun and goofy and just wonderful reminders of perspective for me. Other than that, I am almost always listening to music. Music ranging from pump up to meditative and anything in between. Mostly, I am working to stay in the moment and enjoy the moment.
Wrestling style
For lack of any better term, I would say my wrestling style is like a lava lamp. I love a lot of moves that work with my opponent's momentum. The way I picture wrestling in my head is a game of expanding and contracting at just the right time. Working with myself, my opponent, the mat, the whole picture, and all its energy. And to me... that kind of looks like lava lamp blobs growing and changing and moving about. It's groovy and fun and flowing.
Personal style
My style off the mat is comfy hippie girl. I prioritize comfort above all else but always add a little bohemian flair to it. I love untamed hair and giant, messy buns. Neutral and earthy colors are my favorite. I want to be in clothes that let me run around and dance and adventure, and then curl up with a book by the end of the day.
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Pre-Competition Ritual
I love to get my hair braided to keep it out of my face the morning of competitions. Before my matches, I like to get my feet moving with some quick footwork, stance, and motion. Lastly, I always play music for relaxation and to get me excited for my match!
Wrestling style
My wrestling style consists of lots of speed and technique. One of my go-to moves is my sweep single. I always end up finding it throughout my matches. I would like to think I am pretty calm during my matches and try to use my speed for slickness. I like to stay relaxed throughout my matches and not get flustered so I don't lose focus on my technique. I get described as fast and slick by other people as well.
Personal style
My style off the mat is really chill and easygoing. I usually tend to stay busy off the mat. My go-to hairstyle is a simple, messy ponytail or bun. I do love having my braids in as well to get a different kind of hairstyle. I try to add color to my style here and there, but I mainly go back to the basics like black, white, and gray. I start off with that and try to add color where I see fit.
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Pre-Competition Ritual
I don’t have any pre-match rituals. The only thing I am obsessive about is making sure, as I tie my shoes, that my laces are flat and not all crazy and wild. But other than that, after a good warm-up, I really just focus on being relaxed and calm. I will take a quick nap to reset myself, read a little, maybe watch a bit of the movie Cars, or play some games on my phone to keep myself distracted.
Wrestling style
I’ve always been a big fireman’s carry girl; it is somewhere in my DNA; if it’s there, my body will pull the trigger for it without my mind realizing it. I’ve grown up being a very technical wrestler. Now, I would say I am more of a flow and feel wrestler. I don’t want to think or force when I am on the mat. I want to get into wrestling positions and take those opportunities to be creative and score points. I am my best self when I’m wrestling free with no concern for the score or trying to win. Those points will come with the motion I create.
Personal style
I know a lot of athletes are always in athleisure, but I like dressing up, whether it is casual to get coffee or for a formal wedding. Most of my outfits are androgynous and typically chill. I love to layer things with a short-sleeved button-down, flannel, or jacket on top. If I’m dressing up formally, you won’t find me in a dress but in some slacks, loafers, a flowy, silky button-down, and maybe a blazer to go on top. I like simple outfits, maybe a statement piece to grab attention, and you can’t forget the chain. For my hair, I’m a messy bun queen. I’m well known for my curls and love letting them be free.
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Pre-Competition Ritual
My pre-match routine involves getting my warm-up in then relaxing and staying loose until my match. I am a creature of habit; I do the same 35-minute warm-up before every tournament. After, I change into clean clothes and fix my ponytail. I wear my RUDIS Titan Mercury gear, shorts, and t-shirt with a hoodie or crew neck during competitions. Before each match, I get a scouting report from my dad/coach. Then, I pace and stay loose until I am up.
Wrestling style
My wrestling style is offensive. My goal is to set the pace and score points. During matches, I wear my RUDIS Titan Mercury singlets. I prefer red/white/blue or black/white/gold wrestling shoes during competitions. I am extremely picky about my clothing, but I change up my shoes quite a bit. I have over 50 pairs of RUDIS wrestling shoes, but my favorites are the SF-Tbilisis and the KS Infinities.
Personal style
My style off the mat is athletic wear. I wear a lot of RUDIS shorts, joggers, t-shirts, and hoodies. Whenever I’m not working out, I keep my hair down. I often wear neutral colors paired with something more colorful, ie. black shoes with pink socks.
