NC United Gold Practice Fuels Women’s Wrestling Growth in NC
On Saturday, May 10th, NC State University played host to a powerful convergence of passion and progress. NC United Gold returned to the mats for its second official training session—further establishing itself as a catalyst for the advancement of girls and women’s wrestling in North Carolina.
The session delivered on its promise: elite instruction, high intensity, and community. Athletes, from new faces to seasoned competitors, came together with one purpose—get better.
Training That Elevates the Standard
The practice was centered on refining essential freestyle scoring strategies. Coaches broke down the core elements of scoring criteria, giving athletes critical insight into the mechanics of success at the national level.
Key technical focuses included:
- Executing lifts and throws from comfortable positions.
- Strategically breaking down the “quad pod”—a defensive base where opponents resist turns.
- Seamless transitions into gut wrenches, a common par terre scoring technique in freestyle.
- Capitalizing on momentum and positioning to convert pressure into points.
The session’s climax featured a live Par Terre Wheel—a rotation of high-pressure matches from the par terre (ground) position. This format tested athletes’ ability to apply technique under fatigue and challenge, pushing their competitive instincts to the surface.
New Faces, New Fire
Six new athletes, including multiple NC State High School Champions and Finalists, stepped onto the mat for their first NC United Gold experience. Their addition injected new energy into the room. These wrestlers weren’t just there to learn—they were there to raise the bar.
Among the new standouts was Tonya Flournory, a name well known across the NC wrestling scene. A proud North Carolinian, Tonya earned All-American honors at the 2023 USMC Women’s Nationals and currently competes for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She also holds credentials as a certified NC referee and Academic All-American. Her nearly two years coaching at Hoke County demonstrate her commitment to guiding younger athletes. Her participation brought both elite-level experience and a powerful example of what it means to reinvest in the next generation.
Raising the Bar
Leadership returned in full force. Kyra Tomlinson, NCAA qualifier and Academic All-American, brought her relentless work ethic and deep knowledge of freestyle rules. As an active NC referee, she bridges athlete and official perspectives, adding vital insights that help wrestlers compete smarter.
Also returning was Genesis Chinchilla, a two-year collegiate starter whose toughness and tactical sharpness continue to sharpen the group’s collective edge. Her role on the mat was more than just physical—she elevated the competitive tone and brought a sense of urgency to every drill.
Together, these leaders embody the core philosophy of NC Wrestling United: iron sharpens iron.
Building a Stronger Wrestling Ecosystem
The success of this second session directly aligns with NC Wrestling United Inc.’s broader mission—to elevate North Carolina to a top 10 wrestling state and create structured, sustainable pathways for growth in both men’s and women’s wrestling.
Through NC United Gold, the organization is delivering on several key objectives:
- Expanding women’s wrestling participation. Each new athlete, especially at the middle and high school level, represents progress toward building a deeper and more competitive talent pool statewide.
- Creating elite development opportunities. These practices offer national-level training for committed female athletes—something previously scarce in the region.
- Fostering mentorship and reinvestment. With current college wrestlers and certified referees returning to coach and mentor, the cycle of growth is actively being sustained.
- Strengthening ties with NC universities. Holding practices at collegiate facilities like NC State gives younger athletes a glimpse of the next level—and helps colleges identify homegrown talent early.
What’s Next for NC United Gold?
Momentum is clearly building. The addition of state champions, the presence of collegiate role models, and the implementation of structured freestyle development all signal that NC United Gold is more than just a training group—it’s a movement.
Upcoming practice dates and locations will continue to be announced through NC Wrestling United’s communication channels. As word spreads and the network grows, so does the opportunity for every female wrestler in North Carolina to find her place in this rising ecosystem.
Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Impact
Girls’ wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and North Carolina is catching up quickly—but progress isn’t automatic. It takes intentional structure, accessible high-level training, and visible role models. NC United Gold is delivering all three.
By hosting consistent, high-intensity freestyle sessions, the program is filling a critical gap. For female athletes serious about competing at the national level, these practices are no longer optional—they’re essential.
The ripple effect is already visible. Younger wrestlers leave with clearer goals. Coaches gain tools to refine their training. College programs see a rising wave of prepared, ambitious recruits. And families begin to see wrestling not just as a sport—but as a structured, supported pathway to opportunity.
