The McBryde Sisters: Pioneers in Women’s Wrestling
In a significant turn of events for women’s wrestling, three sisters from Buffalo, N.Y., have defied expectations and transformed the sport. Jamilah, Zaynah, and Latifah McBryde, who were homeschooled and grew up wrestling with each other, have become trailblazers in collegiate athletics despite initial hurdles.
The McBryde sisters, committed to their Muslim faith, faced challenges that seemed insurmountable. “We always said we would never be able to wrestle in college,” Jamilah, 22, remarked. Their talent was evident to coaches during their teenage years, yet competing was complicated by their inability to wrestle boys and wear the standard wrestling singlet.
Driven by their passion, the sisters initiated a movement that led to groundbreaking changes, allowing Muslim women to compete in full-body outfits at collegiate and national levels. Their initial uniforms, inspired by those of Iranian women wrestlers, featured long sleeves, layered shirts, leggings, and a head covering.
Over time, the sisters refined their attire with the help of trainers and coaches, using velcro to secure their shirts and taping their hijabs. “It’s like the people that we’ve met along the way, our coaches and athletic trainers have really helped develop the uniform,” Jamilah acknowledged.
Despite their achievements, the McBrydes have faced resistance. In 2022, Latifah was denied the opportunity to compete in the Pan American Championships for Wrestling due to uniform regulations. Nonetheless, the sisters’ talent attracted the attention of college coaches, with Life University in Marietta, Ga., standing out for its supportive stance.
“The coaches at Life were the first ones that said, ‘If they’re on our team, they’re part of the family. We’re getting the rule changed,'” Zaynah, 19, recalled. This commitment led to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) approving the modified uniforms in summer 2022.
Life University became a haven for the sisters, where they found a welcoming team culture. “Girls on the team have the prayer app downloaded on their phones to tell us when prayer time is,” Jamilah mentioned. Despite opposition, the sisters also experienced support from competitors who respected their hijabs during matches.
Jamilah’s victory in a national title qualified her for the U.S. Olympic team trials, though international regulations remain a barrier to their Olympic dreams. The sisters argue that their uniforms, which can cause overheating, do not provide an unfair advantage.
USA Wrestling, influenced by the McBrydes’ advocacy, has since changed its rules to accommodate modified uniforms. The 2025 NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship, held during Ramadan, saw Zaynah and Latifah clinch titles in their weight categories, with Jamilah finishing second to an Olympian.
Looking ahead, the sisters are optimistic about future opportunities. “I’m just kind of content with the idea now that, like, OK, even if I don’t ever step on an Olympic stage … I’ve had a lasting impact on wrestling,” Latifah expressed. Each sister plans to remain connected to the sport, with aspirations ranging from coaching to other roles in wrestling.
“I think it’s definitely going to be a part of our lives forever,” Jamilah concluded, highlighting the enduring significance of wrestling for the McBryde family.
