In 2019, Deb North, a widowed mother of three daughters, stood at a crossroads. Her daughter had taken up wrestling—a sport often dominated by boys—but there was one glaring problem. Wrestling shoes for girls didn’t exist. The options available were ill-fitting, injury-prone, and uninspiring. Rather than accept the status quo, Deb saw an opportunity to make a difference. That’s when Yes! Athletics was born.
Today, Yes! Athletics is more than a sporting goods company; it’s a movement. Specializing in wrestling shoes explicitly designed for girls, the company has become a beacon of empowerment for young female athletes aged 4-14. With every product sold, Yes! Athletics is rewriting the narrative for girls in non-traditional sports and giving them the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
What’s Next: Singlets with Period Protection:
As a woman-owned company creating shoes and apparel for girls, Deb is passionate about solving the problems that many females face. “We added a modesty liner as an option to our singlets so that girls can focus on winning instead of potential wardrobe incidents”. We are excited to add this to our apparel line. Yes! Athletics added high-cut and high-compression sports bras last year. “These new products reflect Yes! Athletics’ ongoing commitment to innovation and its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of young female athletes.”
From Personal Challenge to Purpose-Driven Business
Deb’s journey began with a problem many parents of young female athletes face: a lack of gear designed for their daughters. Wrestling shoes on the market were built for boys and men, often resulting in poor fit and increased injury risks for girls. Deb knew she couldn’t be the only parent frustrated by this oversight.
But Yes! Athletics isn’t just about selling shoes—it’s about creating opportunities. “We’re here to empower girls to step into spaces where they’ve historically been underrepresented,” says Deb.
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Confidence
The rise of girls in wrestling is undeniable. In the U.S., the number of girls participating in high school wrestling has recently skyrocketed. Yet, many still face stereotypes and a lack of resources. Yes! Athletics is tackling these challenges head-on.
By providing high-quality, thoughtfully designed gear, the company addresses a practical need and sends a powerful message: girls belong in wrestling, and they deserve products that reflect their strength and individuality.
Yes! Athletics isn’t just about shoes—empowerment, inclusion, and breaking barriers. By creating products tailored to girls and championing initiatives supporting underserved communities, the company inspires a new generation of female athletes to dream big and wrestle fiercely.
Deb North’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and heart. From a simple idea sparked by her daughter’s wrestling journey to a thriving business making a difference nationwide, Yes! Athletics is proof that one person’s determination can spark a movement.
As more girls lace up their Yes! Athletic shoes and step onto the mat, they’re not just competing—they’re making history.
