Ashland’s New Girls Wrestling Coach Brings Grit, Grace, and Vision

Ashland’s New Girls Wrestling Coach Brings Grit, Grace, and Vision

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Something exciting is hitting the mat in Ashland, Kentucky—and it’s wearing a singlet. For the 2025–2026 school year, Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School has officially welcomed Janie Moyer as the new head coach of the girls wrestling team. With a fire for the sport and a passion for empowering young athletes, Moyer brings a fresh wave of energy and purpose to a program that’s quickly growing in popularity and prestige. As girls wrestling continues to expand across the state, this moment marks more than just a new coach—it signals a new era.

Wrestling is one of the oldest and purest forms of sport, built on the foundation of discipline, strength, and respect. And while the sport has long been male-dominated, times are changing—and for good reason. The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) has made significant strides in elevating girls wrestling to a recognized and respected competitive arena, giving female athletes the opportunity to test their limits and rise to the occasion on an equal playing field.

Coach Janie Moyer is no stranger to the sport—or to the power it holds. A 2010 graduate of Tolsia High School, Moyer became involved in wrestling five years ago and quickly became deeply invested. “I became incredibly invested and dedicated to the craft after seeing the many successes and lasting benefits it has on all ages of the sport for both male and female alike,” she shared.

Her belief in wrestling’s value goes beyond wins and losses. For Moyer, wrestling offers something greater—a sense of self-worth and empowerment, especially for girls. “It creates a deep sense of self-worth for our girls on a physical, mental, and emotional level,” she explained. “As they invest their time on the mat, they learn the craft of hard work, discipline, and camaraderie.”

And she’s right. Wrestling teaches athletes how to push through discomfort, how to stay mentally tough when things get difficult, and how to respect both their teammates and opponents. It’s a sport that doesn’t require height, a certain body type, or expensive equipment—just effort, heart, and the willingness to grow. Regardless of gender, these lessons are life changing.

Moyer’s coaching philosophy is grounded in two powerful words: Grit & Grace. “It is with grit that we will forge a determination to compete and achieve success within our league. It is with grace that we will favor our girls’ team in examples of sisterhood,” she said. It’s this blend of toughness and unity that sets the tone for what promises to be a standout season.

She also recognizes the broader picture. “The time is now for girls of wrestling in our area to seize the moment,” Moyer emphasized. “It is my greatest hope and desire to see our Ashland Wrestling Girls Team on too many podiums this season while also supporting and cheering on the successes of the many local area girl teams that surround Ashland, KY.”

As Ashland Paul G. Blazer High School embarks on this exciting new chapter, one thing is clear: with Coach Janie Moyer at the helm, the future of girls wrestling is bright, fierce, and full of purpose. Her commitment to building a program rooted in resilience, respect, and unity is sure to leave a lasting impact on the athletes—and the community—they represent. Whether on the podium or off the mat, these girls are learning how to face life with grit and grace. And that’s a victory worth celebrating.