Wrestling has long been defined by toughness, discipline, and grit. But as the sport evolves—especially with the rapid rise of girls wrestling—so must the way it’s coached.
Today’s most effective programs are built on servant leadership: a philosophy that prioritizes the athlete over the outcome.
This shift isn’t just cultural—it’s strategic.
Coaches who embrace servant leadership in wrestling are seeing stronger retention, more engaged athletes, and better long-term performance.
What Is Servant Leadership in Wrestling?
Servant leadership flips the traditional coaching model. Instead of asking athletes to serve the program, it asks:
“How can I serve my athletes so they can perform and grow at their highest level?”
In wrestling, this means:
- Prioritizing athlete well-being and safety
- Building trust and open communication
- Creating an environment where athletes feel confident competing
- Leading with empathy and accountability
For female wrestlers, this approach is especially impactful.
The Growth of Girls Wrestling—and Why Coaching Must Evolve
Girls wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, fueled by increased sanctioning, visibility, and opportunity.
But growth brings responsibility.
Many female wrestlers are still navigating:
- Training in environments originally designed for boys
- Wearing gear not built for their bodies
- Confidence challenges in a highly visible, physically demanding sport
Organizations like Sisters on the Mat, led by Monica Allen, have played a critical role in addressing these gaps—creating space, visibility, and support systems specifically for female wrestlers.
Their work highlights an important truth:
When you intentionally support female athletes, participation and performance follow.
Real-World Leadership in Action
Megan Brown – Missi Wrestling Club
At the Missi Wrestling Club, Megan Brown demonstrates servant leadership daily.
Her philosophy is simple:
Athletes perform best when they feel supported, prepared, and confident.
She puts this into practice by:
- Building confidence through encouragement and consistency
- Prioritizing proper gear and athlete comfort
- Creating a team culture rooted in trust and respect
- Developing relationships beyond the mat
I recently spent time with Megan at the HerCircle Duals in Kansas City. When I walked into her hotel, she was leading a Bible study. She truly pours into her athletes from every direction.
Monica Allen – Sisters on the Mat
While coaches shape individual teams, leaders like Monica Allen are shaping the entire ecosystem of girls' wrestling. Monica is a true trailblazer- she wrestled for Missouri Valley in the late 90s with several other trailblazers, including Clarissa Chun and Leigh Jaynes. She truly loves her athletes like they are her own kids and works tirelessly to create opportunities for them- on and off the mat.
Through Sisters on the Mat, she has helped:
- Create visibility for female wrestlers nationwide
- Build a community where girls feel they belong
- Provide resources and advocacy for athletes and coaches
Her work embodies servant leadership at scale—serving not just individual athletes, but the future of the sport itself.
How Wrestling Coaches Can Apply Servant Leadership
If you’re coaching a girls wrestling program—or building one—here’s where to start:
✔ Listen to Your Athletes
Create space for honest feedback and communication.
✔ Evaluate Your Gear and Setup
Ensure your athletes are equipped with gear designed for female performance, comfort, and confidence.
✔ Prioritize Confidence as a Performance Driver
Confident athletes are more aggressive, more focused, and more resilient.
✔ Build a Culture of Trust
Athletes should feel respected, supported, and safe in your program.
✔ Learn from Leaders in the Space
Follow the example set by coaches like Megan Brown and advocates like Monica Allen.
The Competitive Advantage of Servant Leadership
Servant leadership in wrestling isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about building better programs.
Teams that adopt this mindset see:
- Higher retention in girls wrestling programs
- Increased parent trust and program credibility
- Stronger team culture and cohesion
- Improved long-term athlete development
In a rapidly growing and competitive landscape, these factors matter more than ever.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Wrestling Coaching
The rise of girls' wrestling is changing the sport—and redefining what great coaching looks like.
It’s no longer just about technique and toughness.
It’s about leadership, empathy, and intentionality.
Servant leadership is how coaches meet this moment.
And through the work of leaders like Megan Brown and Monica Allen, we’re seeing exactly what’s possible when athletes come first.