The Virginia High School League (VHSL) is on the brink of introducing girls wrestling as a sanctioned sport in the Commonwealth. In September 2022, the VHSL Executive Committee made the decision to classify girls wrestling as an "emerging sport," beginning from the 2022-23 season. The sport has been given a three-year window to achieve participation from at least 50% + 1 member schools that already offer wrestling, in order for it to attain full sanctioning by the VHSL.

According to VHSL data reported to the National Federation of High Schools, around 271 schools in Virginia had boys wrestling teams during the 2021-22 season, with 131 of those schools having at least one female athlete participating. In this classification, a girls' team is recognized if there is at least one female wrestler who successfully undergoes hydration testing and appears on the school's master eligibility list.

Since its establishment, Riverside High School has consistently welcomed at least one girl onto its wrestling team. Over the years, multiple girls have achieved notable placements in the "Unofficial VHSL State Championships." Former Riverside wrestlers, such as Michelle Reyes (3rd place), Cemara Collins (2nd place), Danielle Webb (3rd place twice), and Julianna Erice (2nd place twice, 3rd place once), have blazed a trail for future female wrestlers at Riverside.

For the upcoming 2023-2024 season, we have developed a competition schedule specifically for girls to compete against one another. Additionally, girls are still afforded the option to compete in the boys' division if they so choose. If you or someone you know is interested in trying wrestling, we encourage you to attend one of our Green Days, which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm-6:00pm. Official try-outs will commence on November 6th. Please ensure that you complete a current VHSL Physical and the online registration process. Detailed instructions can be found on RiversideRams.Net under "Required forms for Participation."