Grand Valley State University’s first women’s wrestling team began their season on Nov. 2. The team is composed of talented players, and sets a historic precedent for women’s sports at the University.

The roster consists of 22 students, led by head coach Jake Short and assistant coach Marlynne Deede. Among the grouping is GVSU student Sage Mortimer, who recently achieved international success as a student-athlete.

In 2021, GVSU announced the relaunch of the men’s wrestling program, which was canceled by the University in 1993. At the time of the announcement, the University added that it would start a women’s wrestling team by 2024. The women’s first season kicked off with a meet in Wisconsin, in an open tournament hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. 

GVSU is one of the only Division II universities participating in the tournament. Students who competed included Rayana Sahagun, Ana Malovich, Aspen Blasko, Olivia Heft, Miriam Hopson, Hannah Palise, Elleni Johnson, Clarissa Agostini and Aaliya Grandberry.

Deede said that as a new team, setting a standard for positivity and communicating effectively will create an expectation for the rest of the program. For her team to be successful, Deede said they need grit, attitude, courage and confidence. 

“I have been part of three college programs, all of which were new initiatives,” Deede said. “It has always been an honor to be part of the ‘first.’ It feels special to be part of the inaugural GVSU women’s wrestling team.”

Several elements contributed to the difficulty of re-establishing the wrestling program, even more so for launching the women’s sport. Finances, tournaments and sport regulations could be factors as to why GVSU hadn’t invested in a women’s wrestling team previously.

Deede said GVSU waited until the time to start a women’s wrestling team. Once the pieces finally fell into place, the developing sport was able to officially take shape.

“Women’s wrestling is still a developing sport, requiring commitment and resources to start a program with confidence,” Deede said. “GVSU took the opportunity when it arose. It has been inspiring to learn about extensive support for women’s sports and wrestling at (GVSU). I am empowered by the women who lead at GVSU, and I am happy to be part of this journey.”

On Oct. 24, Mortimer received a gold medal in the Under-23 World Championships in Albania. Mortimer also placed in the top three of her weight class in the U.S. Olympic trials, according to an article by GVNext. 

“Sage is a perfect example of what it means to never stop wrestling and never stop believing,” Short said in an interview with GVSU Athletics. “She made the most of her opportunities and now she gets to call herself a world champion.” 

Blasko, a member of the women’s wrestling team, was enamored by GVSU’s “gorgeous facilities,” and had previously worked with Short before joining the team. She said that after touring campus, the decision to attend GVSU and join the wrestling program was simple. 

“Everything kind of fell into place,” Blasko said. “After getting recruited and stuff, it was a pretty easy choice (to join the team).”

Blasko said that success on the mat isn’t about winners and losers, but about personal and physical growth, building good relationships and bringing life to the team. As a member of the first women’s team at GVSU, she said the perfect season would provide learning experiences for growth and athletic technique.

“I (am) excited to be on such a positive team with great coaches and great people,” Blasko said.