As the traditional gender roles and societal expectations of our culture continue to evolve, this film hopes to shine a light on an emerging sport and the remarkable young women who compete in it: girls’ wrestling. Several years ago, I discovered a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to the sport of wrestling for

underserved high school students in New York City. As a former high school wrestler, I’d always perceived wrestling to be a male-dominated sport, so seeing young girls on the wrestling mat was a disconnect. Witnessing these young women fearlessly grapple their opponents, with unwavering determination, made me realize that their story needed to

be told. The girls featured in the film, many of whom were immigrants, also faced pressure from multiple directions, from typical school-age stressors to economic inequality, or a conservative religious upbringing. Over the course of filming,I found they exemplified strength, resilience and composure in the face of these challenges, both in their home lives and on the mat. My intention was to capture my admiration for these young athletes and the growth of the sport. As a male director sharing their stories, it was imperative that the film include a diverse range of female collaborators. In that spirit, I worked closely with veteran female producers, writers and consultants, to ensure an authentic and multifaceted portrayal of these young womens' lives. I’ve aligned with women leaders and legends in the sport who have become a part of the filmmaking process and the life of the project. In celebrating these resilient young women, my hope is to inspire a future where every student, regardless of gender,is given equal opportunity and support in their athletic ambitions.