Get ready for some powerful moves and a story that will inspire!
The Rise of Girls Wrestling: A Sport Taking the Nation by Storm
In a bold move, e.l.f. Cosmetics has extended its partnership with The Wonder Women of Wrestling Foundation (WWOWF) for a second year, showcasing its commitment to empowering the next generation of female athletes. But here's where it gets controversial...
Unveiling the Fastest-Growing High School Sport
You might be surprised to learn that girls wrestling is the hottest new sport in American high schools. Participation has skyrocketed to over 74,000 athletes in the 2024-2025 school year, with nearly 1,000 schools adding wrestling programs. It's a sport that's gaining momentum, and e.l.f. is stepping up to the mat to support these incredible athletes.
The Seventh Annual Tournament: A Celebration of Girl Power
The upcoming tournament in Columbia, Missouri, promises to be an epic event. With over 800 athletes, 94 teams from 10 states, and more than 1,300 spectators, it's one of the largest high school girls wrestling competitions in the nation. And the best part? It's a testament to the growing cultural shift in how we value and celebrate girls' wrestling.
e.l.f.'s Impact: More Than Just Sponsorship
As part of its sponsorship, e.l.f. Cosmetics is going above and beyond. They're supporting eight college-bound senior wrestlers with scholarships, reducing financial barriers and opening doors to higher education through sports.
Patrick O'Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer at e.l.f. Beauty, puts it best: "At e.l.f., we don't just show up; we invest in the future. Girls wrestling is growing rapidly, but resources haven't always kept up. Our partnership with WWOWF is about creating equal opportunities, visibility, and celebration for these athletes. When girls are given a chance, they don't just compete; they revolutionize the game."
A Track Record of Supporting Women's Sports
This partnership builds on e.l.f.'s impressive track record in women's sports. They've invested in the National Women's Soccer League, Billie Jean King Cup, Professional Women's Hockey League, and even motorsports. Across these partnerships, e.l.f. focuses on tangible outcomes: expanding access, increasing visibility, funding scholarships, and building sustainable pathways for the next generation of female athletes.
Michael Wakim Jr., Founder and President of The Wonder Women of Wrestling Foundation, shares his excitement: "We're thrilled to continue our partnership with e.l.f. Cosmetics. Together, we hope to not only expand our foundation's reach but also the growth of this incredible sport. With e.l.f.'s support, we can continue to grow our scholarship programs and give these talented young wrestlers a worldwide platform."
A Message to the Competitors
As the 2025 Wonder Women of Wrestling Varsity Girls Tournament approaches, e.l.f. Cosmetics wishes all the competitors the best of luck. They're ready to compete, lead, and inspire the future of women's sports.
So, what do you think? Is e.l.f. Cosmetics making a difference in supporting women's sports? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!