2025 Girls & Women’s Wrestling Summit

Building Culture and Community

The day opened with Elisa Lackey, PA Women’s Director at USAW, whose message was clear: girls’ wrestling is not emerging — it’s established. Her call to action inspired the audience to invest in mentorship, strengthen programs, and expand collegiate opportunities across the state.

Matt Lackey, Head Women’s Coach at Lock Haven University, followed with an impactful keynote on team culture, gratitude, and growth mindset. His focus on building programs around values and daily habits set the tone for a day of learning and leadership.

Performance, Mindset, and Leadership

From Josh Bailer’s session on performance mindset to Shaun Clair’s keynote on overcoming adversity and leading with purpose, attendees were reminded that wrestling is about far more than competition — it’s about developing resilience and confidence on and off the mat.

Pat Tocci, Athletic Director at Penn Manor, brought a powerful perspective on how to nurture and maximize high school wrestling programs. His insights on engaging athletic directors, collaborating with communities, and creating sustainable opportunities for female wrestlers were among the day’s most impactful takeaways.
Breakout sessions offered opportunities for athletes, coaches, and parents to connect on key topics including safeguarding, athlete wellness, college recruiting, and building coaching culture. The day concluded with roundtable discussions and a Girls’ Wrestling Clinic led by Mary Johnson, giving wrestlers hands-on training alongside female leaders in the sport.

A Shared Commitment to Growth

The Summit celebrated the rapid growth of girls’ and women’s wrestling in Pennsylvania and beyond — and the collective effort driving it forward.

We’re deeply grateful to all of our speakers, volunteers, and partners — including Wrestle Like a Girl, PAUSA Wrestling, and Resilite Sports Products — for helping make this first-year event such a success.
Together, we’re building a stronger culture for the next generation of female wrestlers — one that celebrates their climb and elevates their future.