In recent years, there has been an increase in female membership across USA Wrestling. The progress that has been made in this area is important to the growth of the organization, and women officials have been integral in the process. Susanna Sylstad, Jessica Overhiser, and Elizabeth Kruggel are three officials that are aiming to increase participation in all levels of officiating and inspire a new generation to connect to wrestling in a new way.

Susanna Sylstad's journey began during her senior year of high school when she began wrestling. Sylstad’s love for the sport grew, and while searching for a team to compete for in college, she was injured. Her coach suggested she enter the world of officiating, as a way to keep close ties with the sport. Despite setbacks, she found her footing through mentors like Kyle Foster, Tom Martin, Mike Dilworth, Toby Tobiason and Sammy Julian, who not only taught her the intricacies of officiating but also instilled in her the importance of developing a drive to constantly improve and think about how she can get better.

She’s seen the growth and development of the sport not only for athletes and coaches, but for women entering roles as officials. Sylstad explained the growth she has witnessed in every style of wrestling, and the impact that women have had in supporting each other to get more women interested in the position. In the future, she hopes to see more development and an increase in athletes that become officials as a way to remain involved in the sport. Sylstad also wants women to be known as great mat officials, regardless of gender.

In preparation for the future, Sylstad has made it to the highest rank in the U.S., moved up the rankings at the international level and is aiming to make her first trip to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Officiating at events like 2023 Senior Nationals, the 2024 Pan-American Championships and 2024 Pan-American Olympic Games Qualifier has helped her grow professionally and create lasting relationships with people all around the world.

Sylstad, Overhiser, Kruggel aim to inspire growth of women officials in the United States

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Women officials aim to grow participation in the United States