A December wrestling match at a Washington high school has sparked am investigation after a 16-year-old female athlete accused her opponent of inappropriate contact during competition.
The sophomore from Rogers High School in Puyallup was competing in the 190-pound weight class against Emerald Ridge High School, an in-district rival, on December 6. During the match, she reported experiencing what she believed was deliberate inappropriate touching by her opponent.
“I just wanted the match to be over,” the athlete said. Unable to locate her coach at that moment, she made the decision to allow herself to be pinned, ending the competition early.
According to sources, the athlete’s mother had been recording the match on video, though neither she nor the referee had a clear view of the alleged contact as it occurred. After stepping off the mat, the athlete informed her mother about what had happened and later reported the incident to her coach.
The situation became more complicated when the athlete discovered her opponent was biologically male and competing on the girls’ wrestling team.
“I was really surprised,” she said, reflecting on learning this information after the fact.
Two days following the match, the family reached out to school officials requesting action. A coach responded by email, writing: “I most certainly would not put Kallie on the mat if I thought she was competing with a male. I will investigate this and look to see if we have a video on our end.”
According to the family, no subsequent communication or follow-up occurred after that initial response.
Washington state law designates school staff as mandatory reporters for suspected child abuse, including peer-on-peer incidents of this nature. Under state law, failure to report such allegations constitutes a gross misdemeanor, which carries potential jail time, fines, or both.
Despite at least four school district employees allegedly being aware of the accusation, law enforcement was not contacted until late January. This was nearly two months after the original incident. The notification came only after media outlets began making inquiries about the case.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has since confirmed an active investigation is underway. A spokesperson for the department stated: “This is being investigated and is still active.”
The school district issued a statement acknowledging the matter: “This matter is currently under investigation. Student safety is a top priority and that all reports involving student safety are taken seriously.”
Two independent wrestling coaches reviewed video footage of the match and provided their assessment of what occurred. One stated: “That’s not common, unless you’re doing it intentionally,” referring to the hand placement visible in the recording. Both coaches agreed the positioning shown was not standard technique and could be interpreted as deliberate.
The opposing wrestler, who is also a minor, has not been charged with any offense and has not been publicly identified. As a freshman, this wrestler later qualified for the state tournament.
For the Rogers High School athlete, the experience has left lasting concerns about her future in the sport.
“Ever since that incident on the mat it has made me reconsider returning to wrestling because I’m not sure if I can or will feel safe on the wrestling mat,” she said.
She also voiced concerns about competitive fairness and safety: “Boys shouldn’t be allowed in women’s sports, whether they identify as female or not. Especially in strength-based sports.”
The athlete expressed worry about the potential impact on women’s wrestling more broadly: “Women’s wrestling has grown so much within the last couple years. I don’t want it to shrink again with this whole situation going on.”
The athlete’s mother sent an email to school officials emphasizing the gravity of the situation: “This is a huge issue and something that is 100% not OK.”
