Turning growth into results: DeForest girls wrestling is off to a strong first month – hngnews.com

Growth and Success of Girls’ Wrestling in DeForest

The girls’ wrestling program in DeForest has experienced significant growth, reflecting a positive trend towards gender equality and empowerment in sports, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality.

Program Expansion

1. 2023-24 Season: 2 athletes
2. 2024-25 Season: 9 athletes
3. 2025-26 Season: 14 athletes

This steady increase in participation demonstrates the community’s commitment to inclusive sports opportunities, promoting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by encouraging physical activity among young women.

Recent Achievements

• The DeForest Norskies opened the 2025-26 season with a dual meet victory over the Waunakee Warriors, winning 30-24 on December 5, 2025.
• At the Waunakee Invitational, freshman Rachael Kitt secured second place in the 107-pound silver bracket.
• Sophomore Lily Radl placed fourth in the silver bracket at the same event.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Encouraging girls’ participation in wrestling challenges traditional gender norms and promotes equal opportunities in sports.
• Empowering young women through competitive sports fosters confidence and leadership skills.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Participation in wrestling enhances physical fitness and mental health among female athletes.
• Promotes healthy lifestyles and community engagement.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Providing equal access to sports programs reduces disparities based on gender.
• Supports social inclusion and diversity within the school and local community.

Conclusion

The rapid growth and success of the girls’ wrestling program in DeForest exemplify a commitment to sustainable development through sports. By fostering gender equality, promoting health, and reducing inequalities, the program contributes meaningfully to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article highlights the growth of girls’ wrestling, emphasizing increased female participation in sports, which aligns with promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Participation in sports like wrestling contributes to physical health, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyles among youth.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – The article relates to school sports programs, which are part of holistic education and promote inclusive and equitable quality education.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

• SDG 5 – Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. The growth of girls’ wrestling represents increased opportunities for girls in sports leadership and participation.
• SDG 3 – Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being. Participation in sports supports mental health and social inclusion.
• SDG 4 – Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations, including girls. The increase in girls participating in wrestling reflects progress toward gender parity in school activities.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in local and national sports leadership roles (implied by increased female participation in wrestling).
• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases and mental health (implied through promotion of health via sports participation).
• Indicator 4.5.1: Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile) for all education indicators (implied by the increase in girls’ participation in school sports programs).
• Additional implied indicator: Number of female athletes participating in school sports programs (measured by the growth from 2 to 14 athletes over seasons).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hngnews.com