Sally Roberts (wrestler)

Sally Roberts is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, national champion wrestler, and founder of non-profit Wrestle Like a Girl.

Sally Roberts
Personal information
National teamUnited States
Born1980 (age 42–43)
Grants Pass, Oregon
Height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)[1]
Weight132 lb (60 kg)[1]
Sport
SportWrestling
ClubGator Wrestling Club[2]
U.S. Army (2010-2016)
Medal record
Representing  United States
World Wrestling Championships[1]
Bronze medal – third place 2003 Freestyle
Bronze medal – third place 2005 Freestyle
U.S. National Championships[1]
Gold medal – first place 2003 Freestyle
Bronze medal – third place 2004 Freestyle
Gold medal – first place 2005 Freestyle
Gold medal – first place 2006 Freestyle
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Freestyle

Early life and education

Roberts was the first in her family to graduate from high school.[3] She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, as well as a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of the Rockies.[4]

Military service

Roberts joined the Army in 2009, and served with the 320th Psychological Operations Company. Roberts volunteered for a deployment to Afghanistan, and later joined the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program.[3]

Wrestling

Roberts' wrestling career began in eighth grade, when she was given a choice between juvenile detention and an after-school activity.[3] She earned her first gold medal at the Keystone Open in 1999, the same year she first placed in both U.S. National and World team trials.[1] Roberts ultimately became a two-time World bronze medal winner and three-time U.S. National Champion.[5]

Activism

Roberts founded Wrestle Like a Girl, a non-profit that seeks to provide resources for female wrestlers. She advocates for NCAA recognition of female wrestling, which would provide access to benefits such as health insurance and scholarships currently available to male wrestlers only.[5][6]

References
  1. "Sally Roberts". teamusa.org. Team USA. Archived from the original on January 2, 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  2. Sesker, Craig. "Marano Roberts to conduct clinic at Body Bar Women s Nationals". USA Wrestling. Team USA. Archived from the original on January 4, 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  3. "Army Vet Champions Wrestling 'Like a Girl'". Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  4. "Sally Roberts".
  5. Masters, Clay. "Wrestle Like A Girl: How Colleges Are Pushing The NCAA To Recognize Women's Wrestling". npr.com. NPR. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  6. Miller, Taylor. "Wrestle Like A Girl, founded by Sally Roberts, hosts its first fundraising Gala July 30". Team USA. Archived from the original on August 21, 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
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