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. 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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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. 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.
Episode 4: Late Start, Big Gains: Why High School Is a Great Time to Start Girls' Wrestling
Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast
20 minutes
1 week ago
Episode 4: Late Start, Big Gains: Why High School Is a Great Time to Start Girls' Wrestling
In episode 4, Host Lena Burkut explores why starting wrestling in high school can be an excellent choice for girls, covering maturity, structured coaching, off-season training, and the realities of weight classes.
The episode features Wheeling High School senior Elise Burkut — a two-time IHSA state qualifier and 2025 state runner-up — who shares her journey from a freshman beginner to an elite competitor, her training habits, favorite moves, and advice for new wrestlers.
You can find Elise (Leaf) Burkut at https://www.instagram.com/leafburkut_official/
Listeners also get a clear breakdown of common misconceptions about girls' wrestling (safety, competitiveness, opportunities, and femininity), as well as practical guidance for families considering the sport.
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New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)!
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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/
See girls wrestling grow
Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
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Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast
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. 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.
