The Lady Tigers wrestling team at Smith-Cotton High School is in the top five of Missouri’s state preseason rankings. Nationally, girls’ wrestling programs have become more common, leading to better equality and more opportunity for girls.
Jasmine Wolfe, 16, is a co-leader of the the Lady Tigers team. Jasmine has been practicing for over three years. According to Smith-Cotton wrestling head coach Joe Hulsey, she has won numerous state medals and is one of the top 30 girls in the nation in her weight class.
Jasmine says her primary source of support comes from her guardian, Roy Corpier, and her best friend, hero, and co-leader, Jazlyn Smith. Their bond is so strong that often, their arms and fingers are linked when they walk through the hallway. The Lady Tigers athletes forge a stronger sense of community while lifting, wrestling, and supporting one another.
From left, Jasmine Wolfe, 16, Jazlyn Smith, 16, and Hannah Wright, 16, at the Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia, Mo., on September 25, 2023.
Jazlyn and Hannah during wrestling practice at the Smith-Cotton High School gymnasium.
Jasmine sits on her bunk bed as she gets ready for school.
Jazlyn, left, and Jasmine pass a medicine ball during weight practice at the Smith-Cotton High School gymnasium. Jazlyn is Jasmine’s best friend and co-leads the team with her. “Wrestling has helped me figure out my emotions; it is a mental sport,” Jazlyn said. You need to think about what the next move is. You can't lose control or get mad and punch. Now, I don't think I get angry that much. I'm very calm.”
From left, Jazlyn, Kylie Guerrero, 15, and Jasmine do tire squats while wrestling head coach Joe Hulsey watches the weight training outside of the Smith-Cotton High School building. Joe was an assistant coach at Smith-Cotton High School for three years before taking over the program in 2020. “We build a family culture where the entire team looks out for each other and helps support each other through highs and lows,” Joe said.
From left, Hannah and Jazlyn during wrestling practice at the Smith-Cotton High School gymnasium. "I’ve been wrestling since I was 7 or 8. It has been on and off. It is just a lot of work," Hannah said. I like not necessarily wrestling but the people. The team is a big family; going to practice and hanging out is a lot of fun.
From left, Jazlyn, Jasmine and Zakiyah Williams, 16, walk to their Holocaust class in the Smith-Cotton High School hallway. This is the only class Jasmine and Jazlyn take together.
Jasmine, Jazlyn and Zakiyah attend their Holocaust class in the Smith-Cotton High School. Jasmine is an athlete scholar. This is the only class where she gets to spend time with her best friend, Jazlyn.
Jazlyn and Jasmine eat lunch at the Smith-Cotton High School cafeteria.
Jazlyn and Jasmine link their fingers at the Smith-Cotton High School hallway.
Jasmine and Katherine Madrid, 16, perform double leg while Jazlyn and Hannah Wright, 16, watch them at the Smith-Cotton High School gymnasium.
Portrait of Jasmine at the Smith-Cotton High School. “I’ve never had anything handed to me,” said Jasmine, “I believe hard work pays off, and giving up is not an option.”