Under the guidance of Director of Wrestling and Head Coach, Mike Kulczycki, SPIRE Academy’s wrestling program has greatly expanded since its inception. From a new wrestling center to a women’s wrestling program, the 2023-24 season will see SPIRE wrestling aiming to shatter expectations.

SPIRE Wrestling offers a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of various types of athletes, including college-bound high school students, post-graduates seeking gap-year opportunities and Olympic hopefuls. This co-ed boarding school program combines college preparatory academics with unique personal development and sport and career preparation opportunities. Athletes have the chance to showcase their talents to college coaches, and post-graduate athletes can earn college credit by taking classes either at nearby Kent State – Ashtabula or online. As Director of Wrestling & Head Coach explained, “Our mission extends beyond shaping exceptional wrestlers; we are dedicated to molding outstanding young men and women. At SPIRE, our goal is for every individual to depart as an improved version of themselves, equipped with the skills and character to thrive in all aspects of life.”

The Academy provides state-of-the-art facilities, including custom-designed mats and a 25,000 sq. ft. Performance Training Center. SPIRE has a long-standing commitment to player development. Their training focuses on technical development, intense drilling and tactical coaching, emphasizing speed, strength, quickness, flexibility and endurance – all while reducing the risk of injury. 

The school is proud to welcome a diverse and dedicated group of athletes hailing from all over the United States and around the world. This mix of backgrounds, talents and individual dreams enriches both the school’s athletic and cultural experiences. 

SPIRE Academy’s commitment to the sport is also highlighted in its recently launched Women’s Wrestling Program. This is a groundbreaking initiative emphasizing high-school sports inclusion and empowerment. SPIRE offers its female wrestlers individually tailored training programs that provide the fundamental skills needed to prepare them for the freestyle yearly competitions which are vital for aspiring collegiate-level wrestlers. SPIRE is proud to welcome its first three female wrestlers: Alexia Beadle from Youngstown, OH, Fiona Gough from Wayne, NJ and Joelle Scott from Carnesville, PA. These athletes showcase the drive, motivation and dedication SPIRE holds dear. 

To support the growth and development of its dedicated wrestlers, SPIRE Academy provides world-class facilities, including a state-of-the-art Performance Training Center and a philosophy of allowing each athlete to achieve greatness by being their own individual while also honing their wrestling skills. As Assistant Coach Andrew Gasber recently told us, “Year one here at SPIRE Academy is going to be successful no matter the wins or losses. We are developing a group of wrestlers who have high standards for themselves on and off the mat. We want to be able to compete with the best in the country on the mat, and SPIRE Academy has given us the resources needed to get there.” At SPIRE Academy athletes can achieve their dreams, and the school is looking forward to a successful year of growth and wrestling excellence.