This episode traces the real beginnings of girls wrestling in Illinois, showing that 2022 was a milestone but not the start, through a conversation with coach Sarah Doty about early pioneers, clubs, and community advocates who built opportunities long before official recognition.

It explores youth and club foundations, how the IHSA state series changed participation, ongoing challenges like recognition and competitive depth, and what needs to happen next to keep girls not just trying wrestling, but staying and thriving in the sport.

About Sarah Doty: Sarah Doty is a three-time college All-American and experienced women’s wrestling coach who has been closely involved in the growth of girls wrestling in Illinois. She has coached at the collegiate, club, and state levels, including work with Edwardsville Wrestling Club and Team Illinois, and has helped develop athletes from the youth level through national competition. Her background as both a wrestler and coach gives her a unique perspective on how girls wrestling has evolved and where the sport is headed next.

About Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast: The Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast celebrates athletes, coaches and families helping girls wrestling grow across Illinois. With interviews, practical advice and stories, the podcast connects and supports IL girls wrestling community—on and off the mat.

Visit http://www.ilgirlswrestling.com/

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Illinois-Girls-Wrestling-Podcast-61591738740289/

Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ilgirlswrestling/

About the Host: Lena Burkut is the host and creator of the Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast, a show dedicated to sharing the stories, experiences, and voices shaping girls wrestling in Illinois. Through conversations with wrestlers, coaches, officials, parents, and other members of the wrestling community, she focuses on helping families better understand the sport while highlighting the continued growth of girls wrestling. Lena also brings a background in journalism, communications, and visual storytelling to the podcast, with a strong interest in building a more informed, connected, and supportive wrestling community.

Host Lena Burkut introduces season 2 with a personal update: why she started the Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast, her background as a mom of three wrestlers, and her role directing the Wheeling Wildcat Wrestling Club.

She shares her daughter’s journey to NJCAA wrestling at Indian Hills, the club’s work with young wrestlers, and how the podcast highlights underrepresented Illinois girls’ wrestling stories.

Season 2 plans include weekly episodes, new guests, topics from college recruiting to tough conversations, and a call for suggestions, guests, and community support.

We are going on vacation until October (unless we have something very important to stay, which does happen) Weekly episodes back in October!

Coaches Liz Short and Sarah Doty break down Team Illinois' performance at the Women's National Duals, highlighting what worked, what needs improvement, and how the experience prepares athletes for the July Fargo freestyle nationals.

They discuss energy and bench culture, technical takeaways like par terre defense and head-and-hands, Greco benefits, nutrition and recovery, and actionable next steps for athletes, coaches, and families heading into Fargo.

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We are a baby podcast with a huge mission, and we would love your help - share the success of Girls' wrestling in the State of Illinois. If you like what you see, leave us a review (we heard that it really helps), subscribe, and share our podcast with other wrestling families

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Want to be our guest? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/3CAjj1b6XcrgJA1v7. We are looking for insights from club and team coaches, expertise from industry experts, and inspiring stories from girls-wrestlers. You can also email us at ilgirlswrestling@gmail.com

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Looking for a club to join? Start your search at https://www.ikwf.org/clubs

Ready to learn more about USA Wrestling? https://www.themat.com/

Join the discussion in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hayuBGgw/

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See girls wrestling grow

Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list

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