Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast

XDMART Inc
  • 5.0 (3)
  • WRESTLING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast gives parents, coaches, and athletes a simple, honest look at girls' wrestling in Illinois—from youth and kids clubs to middle school and high school girls' wrestling. Each episode answers real parent questions (like “What’s the best age to start girls wrestling?”), shares stories from the mat, and helps families understand how to support their daughters in this fast-growing sport.

  1. 3D AGO

    IHSA Girls Sectionals Showdown: When the Bracket Becomes a Battlefield

    Regionals are over and sectionals turn the postseason serious — where top-four state qualifiers are made and one matchup can flip a weight class. Coach Mike Hamilton breaks down how sectionals work, how brackets and seeding affect outcomes, recovery and weight tips, and what creates upsets. Plus a full preview with picks, key matchups, and what to watch from Schaumburg, DeKalb, and beyond. Coach Mike Hamilton is a father of 4 daughters, 3 of them have or are currently wrestle at college. He is also a coach with 12 years of experience and is currently coaching at the Compound in Chenoa, IL -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    37 min

  2. FEB 4

    Wrestling Translator for Parents: 10 Must-Know Terms + Valeria Pesantes (Elk Grove HS, #105)

    This episode is a rapid-fire "wrestling translator" for parents, explaining ten common folkstyle terms—what they mean, when they matter, and how they can affect a match. Includes practical sideline tips, three smart questions to ask your coach, and an interview with senior wrestler Valeria Pisantes on mindset, recovery, and recruiting.   Special Guest: Valeria Pesantes, Elk Grove High School Senior, 2x MSL conference champion, 2025 IHSA State Qualifier    -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    30 min

  3. JAN 28

    Confidence After Losing a Match: Wrestling Mindset Tips + Ewa Krupa (Conant HS)

    Right after a loss your brain tells a story, but loss is information, not identity. In this episode we share three practical tools you can use immediately: a short post-match script to stop emotional bleeding, a 24-hour rule to protect your identity, and a three-pass video review to build confidence. Plus tips for athletes, parents, and coaches on what to say and do between matches to reset and prepare. Episode guest: Ewa Krupa - Conant HS Senior - 3x sectional qualifyer, 2x IWCOA sectional champ, IWCOA 2nd chance state runner-up -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    40 min
  4. Level Up This Season: Practical Goals for Girls & High School Wrestlers

    JAN 21

    Level Up This Season: Practical Goals for Girls & High School Wrestlers

    In this episode, host Lena Burkut and Coach Jack Tinsley break down a simple, three-layer goal-setting system for wrestlers and families: outcome, performance, and process. They cover age- and experience-based goals for beginners, intermediate families, and high school athletes, and explain how to pick one goal per bucket (skills, body, mindset) to build consistent progress. Listeners learn practical tips for parents, how to handle setbacks and injuries, and a clear challenge to write three focused goals in 72 hours. The episode emphasizes refining core moves, tracking progress, and keeping goals flexible and actionable throughout the season. -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    27 min
  5. When you are hesitant about your daughter wrestling: Mirna Rahmani's wrestling story. Also featuring Coach Devin Tortorici and Peggy Diehl

    JAN 14

    When you are hesitant about your daughter wrestling: Mirna Rahmani's wrestling story. Also featuring Coach Devin Tortorici and Peggy Diehl

    This episode addresses common parental fears about girls wrestling and explores what happens when families say yes: interviews with a wrestling mom, a high school athlete, and a coach reveal how proper coaching, community support, and personal growth make the sport safe, empowering, and transformative. Listeners will hear practical safety practices, mental and physical benefits, and real advice for parents and girls curious about starting—plus encouragement to attend a practice or tournament to see wrestling firsthand. -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    29 min
  6. Top Wrestling Questions Answered + Cate Diehl’s from Jeans to Pins Story

    JAN 7

    Top Wrestling Questions Answered + Cate Diehl’s from Jeans to Pins Story

    If you're new to wrestling, this episode answers common questions about safety, gear, tournaments, weight management, nutrition, injuries, and how to find a supportive club and coach. We also share the story of Kate Diehl, a freshman who started in middle school, found confidence through club wrestling, learned from early struggles, and now competes proudly — a reminder that beginners belong and progress comes from showing up. You can find Peggy Diehl at https://www.instagram.com/catherine.diehl -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ Find us on Instagram and TikTok  See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    25 min
  7. From Local Mats to Fargo: Inside Team Illinois Women's Wrestling

    12/24/2025

    From Local Mats to Fargo: Inside Team Illinois Women's Wrestling

    Coach Sarah Doty of Edwardsville Wrestling Club and head coach of Team Illinois walks through her journey into wrestling and how Team Illinois supports girls across the state. The episode covers freestyle vs. folkstyle, how athletes qualify for state, regional, and Fargo Nationals, the Duals experience, travel logistics, costs, and fundraising options. Sarah also explains typical training cycles, camps, avoiding burnout, finding local clubs, and the state’s goals for building a competitive, connected program nationally. About: Sarah Doty, 3x WCWA All-American, Head Women's Coach at Edwardsville Wrestling Club, Head Women's Coach for Team Illinois, Coach for Southern Illinois Regional Training Center, Former Associate Head Coach at Missouri Baptist U, Instagram @sarah_doty_    -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    28 min
  8. Episode 6: Beyond the Scale - Healthy Habits, Recovery & Mindset for Wrestlers - Part 2

    12/17/2025

    Episode 6: Beyond the Scale - Healthy Habits, Recovery & Mindset for Wrestlers - Part 2

    Coach David Tortorici returns to discuss safe, realistic weight-management and tournament-day fueling for girls' wrestling. He shares three simple rules—"nibble, nibble, sip, sip," choose nutrient-dense carbs and proteins, and prioritize hydration—plus tips on between-match snacks, recovery, and avoiding gimmicky nutrition trends. The episode also covers when to seek a sports nutrition professional, why focusing on training beats obsessing over the scale, and how small daily habits beat extreme "cheat days." Practical, supportive advice for athletes, parents, and coaches. About: Coach Devin Tortorice, who has been immersed in the sport of wrestling for over 25 years, including 20 years as a competitive athlete. Devin was a four-year starter at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she was an NCAA qualifier, a two-time Academic All-American, and team captain, competing at 141 and 149 pounds. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in coaching and later earned her Sports Nutrition certification through NASM. In 2023, Devin was nominated for Female Coach of the Year and helped lead Lakes High School to the first-ever IHSA girls’ state title. Today, she channels her experience and passion into Team Tortorice, the training program she runs with her brother out of Crystal Lake, Illinois. Learn more about Team Tortorice at Teamtortorice.squarespace.com Learn more about NGU Nutrition and Fitness at NGUnutritionandfitness.com -------------------------------------- New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)! ---------- 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 ---------- 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 ---------- 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/ See girls wrestling grow Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list    Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list --------------------------------------------

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast gives parents, coaches, and athletes a simple, honest look at girls' wrestling in Illinois—from youth and kids clubs to middle school and high school girls' wrestling. Each episode answers real parent questions (like “What’s the best age to start girls wrestling?”), shares stories from the mat, and helps families understand how to support their daughters in this fast-growing sport.

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