Testimonials

"Wrestling has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life. It has challenged me physically and mentally, pushing me to discover strength and resilience I didn’t know I had. Wrestling creates a unique bond among teammates, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. For girls especially, it’s a sport that breaks down barriers and builds confidence. I truly believe wrestling helps you grow as an athlete and person, and I hope more girls are inspired to step onto the mat and try it." -Samantha B., St. Joseph High School Class of 2023

"Wrestling isn’t just a sport— it’s a journey of self-discovery, where every challenge on the mat teaches me about strength, perseverance, and the power of never giving up. It is the place where I push my limits, conquer my fears, and embrace the warrior within me." -A. Knight, South Haven High School Class of 2028

“Wrestling gave me a stronger mindset and goals, lifelong memories and friends, and a sense of purpose.” -M. Milletics, St. Joseph High School Class of 2025

“The sport of wrestling has impacted my life by making me stronger, and it has given me the courage to go after something on my own. It helps me push myself to be my best!” -Jayden C., John Glenn High School Class of 2029

“My daughter, Maya Milletics, has become one of the best female wrestlers in the state of Michigan. When she wanted to join the wrestling team in 8th grade, my wife and I were very hesitant. It has been one of the best decisions she has ever made. It has grown her confidence, work ethic, and mental strength so much over the past 5 years and really shaped her into the young woman she is today.” -C. Milletics, St. Joseph, MI

“I lost my first wrestling match in about 5 seconds. Angry and frustrated, I walked off the mat wondering why I had ever thought I would enjoy this sport. I flopped into my chair and absentmindedly watched my teammates compete. Lisa was the one who got me to stop pouting. She reassured me that I was strong and capable, that my loss was a result of lack of experience rather than a lack of heart. Her words were the boost I needed to shake off my disappointment and focus on getting better going forward. And that’s exactly what I did. My senior season was filled with many moments that brought me immense pride, from winning a match by tech fall to being voted Athlete of the Month in the school’s magazine. One of my favorite memories was the Altman Girl’s Invitational. The day of the tournament happened to be the day that U of M released their decisions. Two dreams came true that day: I was accepted into my top college and I got to compete in a girls’ tournament at home, surrounded by friends and family. I have Lisa to thank for making this possible, for believing in girls’ wrestling before the rest of the world caught on. Wrestling transformed me from someone who was shy and insecure to a confident leader. The courage I built on the mat translates to many other aspects of my life, from asking questions in large lecture halls to advocating for better pay or hours at my jobs. My only regret from my wrestling career is that it was too short. I wish that there had been a better infrastructure in place to encourage girls to become involved in wrestling when I was very young. Lisa’s Great Lake Wrestling Club is the answer. I know she will make many more dreams come true through this project.” -J. Alpert, St. Joseph High School Class of 2024