There is a rise in high school female wrestling across the country. Catoosa’s Emma Faulkner is one of those that has recently joined the sport. She says that while she may be fairly new to the sport, this being her first season, she has had a huge support system. She says she also hopes to see the sport continue to grow.

“Although It’s my first season wrestling, I’ve had such a good experience so far,” she said. “The team and my coaches, coach Ryan, coach Clevenger, and coach Vincent, have all been very supportive and patient with me. Girls’ wrestling is growing so much and if any other girls are interested, they should go for it! It is such a fulfilling sport, and we need more girls on the mat.”

Faulkner is a sophomore at Catoosa High School. She wrestles at 114 pounds. She also plays the trumpet in the band.

Along with her coaches and teammates, Emma says that there is someone else who has helped her to become a solid wrestler, but also the person that she is.

“My dad would have to be the biggest role model in my life,” she said. “He’s taught me how to be strong both mentally and physically and influenced me to keep pushing harder. He’s a great example of the athlete I hope to be in the future. Another person that has had a big impact on me is coach Ryan. He has taught me so much and always encourages and motivates me.”

There has been a lot of work and sacrifice that Faulkner has done in order to get where she is.

“It takes a lot to be your best, no matter what sport you compete in,” she said. “For me, conditioning, eating clean, watching a lot of wrestling, and keeping a positive attitude has helped me progress so far.”

She has only been wrestling for a few months, but Emma says that in that short time, her favorite memory is an easy one to pick out.

“The highlight moment was my first ever match,” she stated. “I made a girl forfeit the second round and I got a little too hyped up.”