AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Amy Zirneklis

During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, USA Wrestling aims to highlight members of the wrestling community for their immeasurable impact on the sport of wrestling and commitment to excellence. Amy Zirneklis stands as a force dedicated to empowering girls and women through the sport of wrestling. With a unique background of international diplomacy, sports management and athletics, she has forged a path that extends beyond athletic success.

Zirneklis’ background as an athlete laid the groundwork for her champion mentality. Growing up, she excelled in multiple sports, ultimately choosing to play Division I volleyball at Rider University. In her time at Rider, Zirneklis connected with the wrestling community, creating a bond that would influence her work with Wrestle Like A Girl.

After college and following her mother’s passing, Zirneklis spent time in Palau, where she taught English and represented the island in several sporting events. Zirneklis explained the cultural differences between Palau and the United States, and how the culture of Palau shaped her perspective on leadership and community.

She notes that Palau has a consensus-based society, a stark difference to the individualistic ideals of American culture. Palau is matrilineal, with the mother’s bloodline holding significant importance in society. She has carried her experiences in Palau into her work with Wrestle Like A Girl, helping her support an inclusive environment for female athletes.

Zirneklis’ journey in cofounding Wrestle Like A Girl began when she was working in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with USA Cycling. She crossed paths with Sally Roberts, the current CEO and cofounder of Wrestle Like A Girl and two-time World Bronze medalist in Women’s freestyle. In 2010, Roberts joined the Army. She represented the U.S. as a service member and elite athlete following a combat deployment in Afghanistan in 2012.

While in Afghanistan, Roberts noticed that little girls, inspired by seeing a female soldier, began to engage with her unit in unique ways. Her experience sowed the seeds for WLAG, as she envisioned a platform to give back to girls through the sport that had shaped her life. She connected with Zirneklis, who had a long, impactful history in both sports management and international diplomacy, to create the foundation for Wrestle Like A Girl.

“Amy, the Chief Operating Officer of WLAG, plays a crucial role in establishing the organization as the leading global advocacy organization for girls and women in wrestling. As one of WLAG’s co-founders, she has contributed wisdom, business strategy, and thought leadership,” said Roberts. “As a Palauan American, she often reminds us, ‘Our roots are entwined with resilience, community, and the spirit of fighting not just for oneself but for the collective good.’"

“In her previous roles as a sportswoman and diplomat representing Palau at the United Nations in various capacities, she honed her skills in diplomacy, relationship building, and wisdom. She encourages those around her to be more mindful and purposeful and to walk with intention. Her contributions extend beyond WLAG; she cares deeply about the world and looks after others with great care and concern.”

Zirneklis’ professional journey is marked by significant periods in international business and diplomacy. She has earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and International Business from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rider University. Zirneklis added Certificates of International Affairs from New York University and The Law of the Sea from Rhodes Academy of Oceans and Law Policy, and a Certificate in Mindfulness from U.C. Berkeley. 

Her diplomatic approach facilitated crucial partnerships. Her ability to navigate cultural nuances and build strong, collaborative relationships has been instrumental in driving the global success of Wrestle Like A Girl.

A significant milestone in her journey with Wrestle Like A Girl was her introduction to the Jordanian Wrestling Federation. Invited by the State Department to a conference focused on addressing issues at major sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup, Zirneklis met members of the Jordanian Royal Family, including Prince Ali bin Hussein.

“We established a conversation, and we were looking to add more board members to Wrestle Like A Girl so we thought this could be a good addition,” explained Zirneklis. “He was a member of our board for a number of years.”

“As a small organization trying to make mighty advances in the space of wrestling, having that affiliation was really helpful for us.”

With his education and wrestling background in the United States, Prince Hussein sought to expand women’s wrestling in Jordan. The Jordanian Olympic Committee and Wrestling Federation reached out to Wrestle Like A Girl for support, developing a historic partnership aimed at promoting women’s wrestling in Jordan.

In the past 10-15 years, women’s wrestling has grown exponentially in the United States. Zirneklis explained that initially, a goal of the organization was for girls high school wrestling to be a sanctioned sport in every state. The organization expanded to include the growth of women’s wrestling at the college level and increasing scholarship opportunities.

“One part that has gone under recognized is the dads, the moms, the brothers, the coaches who took the desire of a girl who just wanted to wrestle, and created that space and opportunity for them at a time where it wasn’t necessarily accepted,” said Zirneklis.

“There weren’t a lot of females on the mat, but it was those dads, those moms, those coaches, those brothers that said ‘Yeah, let’s make it happen’”.

Looking ahead, the future of Wrestle Like A Girl is bright. While women's wrestling is in a much better place than a decade ago, Zirneklis’ goals include further developing coaches’ education, recruiting more female coaches and amplifying the special culture that exists in women’s wrestling. Wrestle Like A Girl is determined to continue its transformative impact on the sport, empowering more girls and women to become leaders both on and off the mat.