GIRL WRESTLE  is a visual exploration of girls’ youth wrestling in the United States, wherein scenes captured during club practices and team tournaments are combined with portraits to create a holistic view of distinct individuals united by their l

GIRL WRESTLE is a visual exploration of girls’ youth wrestling in the United States, wherein scenes captured during club practices and team tournaments are combined with portraits to create a holistic view of distinct individuals united by their love of the sport. With this project, I investigate questions of embodiment, identity, and power—and how larger social structures condition girls to be and behave.

tone_NYTkids_girlwrestle_003.jpg
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 Emily, age 10  65 pounds  Tar River Wrestling Club

Emily, age 10

65 pounds

Tar River Wrestling Club

Rachel_Jessen_05.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_06.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_07.JPG
 Alex, age 12  65 pounds  Jackson County Gladiators Youth Wrestling League

Alex, age 12

65 pounds

Jackson County Gladiators Youth Wrestling League

Rachel_Jessen_09.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_10.JPG
 Maven, age 6  50 pounds  Hernandez Wrestling Club

Maven, age 6

50 pounds

Hernandez Wrestling Club

tone_NYTkids_girlwrestle_007.jpg
Rachel_Jessen_12.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_13.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_14.JPG
 Alissa, age 7  50 pounds  OBX Elite Wrestling

Alissa, age 7

50 pounds

OBX Elite Wrestling

Rachel_Jessen_16.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_17.JPG
 Morgan, age 12  83 pounds  Titan Takedown Wrestling Club

Morgan, age 12

83 pounds

Titan Takedown Wrestling Club

Rachel_Jessen_20.JPG
  GIRL WRESTLE  is a visual exploration of girls’ youth wrestling in the United States, wherein scenes captured during club practices and team tournaments are combined with portraits to create a holistic view of distinct individuals united by their l
tone_NYTkids_girlwrestle_003.jpg
Rachel_Jessen_02.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_03.JPG
 Emily, age 10  65 pounds  Tar River Wrestling Club
Rachel_Jessen_05.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_06.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_07.JPG
 Alex, age 12  65 pounds  Jackson County Gladiators Youth Wrestling League
Rachel_Jessen_09.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_10.JPG
 Maven, age 6  50 pounds  Hernandez Wrestling Club
tone_NYTkids_girlwrestle_007.jpg
Rachel_Jessen_12.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_13.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_14.JPG
 Alissa, age 7  50 pounds  OBX Elite Wrestling
Rachel_Jessen_16.JPG
Rachel_Jessen_17.JPG
 Morgan, age 12  83 pounds  Titan Takedown Wrestling Club
Rachel_Jessen_20.JPG

GIRL WRESTLE is a visual exploration of girls’ youth wrestling in the United States, wherein scenes captured during club practices and team tournaments are combined with portraits to create a holistic view of distinct individuals united by their love of the sport. With this project, I investigate questions of embodiment, identity, and power—and how larger social structures condition girls to be and behave.

Emily, age 10

65 pounds

Tar River Wrestling Club

Alex, age 12

65 pounds

Jackson County Gladiators Youth Wrestling League

Maven, age 6

50 pounds

Hernandez Wrestling Club

Alissa, age 7

50 pounds

OBX Elite Wrestling

Morgan, age 12

83 pounds

Titan Takedown Wrestling Club

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