She wrestles the boys and the girls, and Ballantyne Ridge’s Sofia Salas is winning. A lot.
One of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country is girls high school wrestling.
In this area, a freshman at a new school with two full years of experience in the sport showed that she was the area’s top talent by winning the most outstanding wrestler award at last month’s inaugural CMS women’s wrestling city championship while maintaining a perfect record against other girls.
She’s also so talented she’s wrestled (and beaten) the boys.
Yes, you heard that right — first-year Ballantyne Ridge’s Sofia Salas started the season 26-0 against girl wrestlers and 37-10 overall against boys and girls competition.
Salas and other area wrestlers begin NCHSAA regional competition this week.
“We had a small group as a first-year program,” Ballantyne Ridge coach Jake Dodson said. “So we’ve had some girls step in when we’ve needed them and they’re a strong part of our team.
“What makes Sofia unique and special is that she’s a workhorse. She gets after it. She puts in extra work and is so coachable. She is definitely a joy to coach.”
Salas began competing in the sport during the summer of 2022 at C2X Wrestling Academy in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
“I started getting involved the summer going into my seventh-grade year,” Salas said. “I thought it looked really cool.
“I had done gymnastics and I was looking to do another sport. And I found a place at this academy and then have been blessed to go to this amazing new program at Ballantyne Ridge.”
At Ballantyne Ridge, Salas is preparing for the upcoming N.C. High School Athletic Association regionals and state championships in the second year of official girls wrestling competition.
“Women’s wrestling is growing here in Charlotte and I’m just glad to be a part of it,” Salas said. “My goal is do really well at regionals and at state and make sure I keep my composure during all of my matches and do what I do.”
So what does Salas say about competing against boys?
“I just have to keep my mental state composed when I’m wrestling guys,” she said. “I make sure I use the right technique that my coaches have taught me. My coaches are obviously are super good. They push me and work to fix and improve.”