For the past 40 years York’s wrestling team has been a male sport.  That is until junior Alyson Anderson joined the Duke wrestling team this season.

Anderson practices muay thai and jiu jitsu, and has been  involved in gymnastics since she was 8-months-old.

She was first exposed to wrestling while practicing with the York gymnastics team.

“Ever since freshman year when I was in girls gymnastics, I would see the wrestlers taking each other down,” said Anderson. “When I first saw that, I thought it was the coolest sport I had ever seen, and I just had to join.”

Since joining the team, Anderson has worked hard to prove that she has what it takes to win against opponents in the predominantly male sport.

Student veterans of the sport congratulate Anderson for joining the team.

Even though it is her first time participating officially in the sport, she has already made a name for herself as seen by the wrestlers. The team’s match on November 25 resulted in Anderson’s first win.

Many York students said they never expected that a girl from their school would want to join a sport that was mostly occupied males.

“I think it’s courageous of her to join such a hardcore sport,” said Matt Finan, junior.  “Also, I think she’ll be a great addition to the team, and I hope to see her win a couple of matches.”

Not only are the wrestlers excited to have a female wrestler on the team, but the coaches are, too.

Many of the York wrestling coaches have seen girls from other schools wrestle, and they’re looking forward coaching Anderson as she competes this season.

“She’s doing a really good job; she works hard and is doing great for the team,” said head coach Terry Clarke.

Anderson continues to train hard and hopes to bring York’s wrestling team more wins as the season progresses.