Bay Shore Makes LI History With First All Girls Wrestling Team

BAY SHORE, NY - The Bay Shore High School wrestling team made history as Long Island's first all-girls wrestling team. The team, made up of 18 girls, was formed this past season which began last November.

The team was formed by new coach Amber Atkins. She has been coaching girls wrestling teams for six years, but this is her first year in Bay Shore. In all her years coaching, Atkins told Patch she has seen a growing interest from girls wanting to join wrestling.

"Our roster wasn't complete with all of our new girls until about a month into the season," she said. "I have also had many girls already contacting me to join next season."

The team only wrestles against other females competition and have already participated in three tournaments so far with three tournaments remaining for the season. Atkins says there isn't much of a difference with training girls compared to boys in wrestling and all the same rules apply.

Photo courtesy of Amber Atkins

"Having an all-girls team has been a dream of mine since I wrestled on the boys team when I was younger," she told Patch. "I knew that it would happen eventually, but the rapid growth is incredible."

Since creating the team, Atkins says people have been very supportive. She said its been a "great feeling" to have the first all-girls team on Long Island and she hopes more teams start developing.

Bay Shore Superintendent Joseph Bond said approving a girls wrestling team was a "no-brainer."

"We believe strongly in empowering all of our athletes and this team is a wonderful addition to our robust athletic program," he said. "The girls have been hard at work since the fall learning and honing the skills necessary to be successful. I look forward to seeing how the team will continue to grow and thrive in the coming years."

Photo courtesy of Amber Atkins