Arab Women and the Impact of U.S. Sport Diplomacy

Coaches Nicole Tyson and Sally Roberts with Jordanian wrestlers

In an effort to promote leadership, empowerment, and international collaboration through sport, Wrestling for Peace (W4P) proudly joined a landmark U.S. Department of State initiative — “Pinning Dreams” — a sports diplomacy effort using women’s wrestling to uplift and inspire girls across the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Spearheaded by Maher Abdaljaleel, Public Engagement Coordinator, and Caroline Mann, Public Diplomacy Officer, from the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, two American coaches offered their expertise for a weeklong series of clinics, trainings, and cultural exchanges: W4P Ambassador, Nicole Tyson, a Junior World Champion, Pan American Champion, and technician commited to using wrestling as a vehicle for positive change, and Sally Roberts, a 2-Time World Medalist, women’s wrestling advocate, and Wrestle Like a Girl founder.

Running from September 7-11, 2025, the “Pinning Dreams” initiative was a strategic partnership between the U.S. Embassy in Jordan and Mohammed Al-Awamleh, President of the Jordan Wrestling Federation, impacting several Jordanian cities by engaging young athletes, future coaches, and members of the Jordan National Women’s Wrestling Team.

The program went beyond athletic skill — it was designed with the belief that wrestling builds essential life skills such as discipline, resilience, leadership, and self-confidence, particularly for girls facing social and economic barriers. “Wrestling teaches you how to fall, how to get back up, and how to stay focused under pressure,” said Tyson. “These are life lessons that transcend the mat and help young women discover their strength.”

The initiative began with a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop in Amman at Al-Yarmouk Sports Hall, where Roberts and Tyson introduced Wrestling 101 to 30 participants — many of them martial artists new to the sport. The goal: to spark an unstoppable ripple effect, equipping local leaders to integrate wrestling into youth programs across Jordan.

Midweek, the team traveled to Jerash, hosting a spirited clinic for students at Jerash High School for Girls. For these young women, it was their first time on a wrestling mat — and their first encounter with female role models who embodied both athletic excellence and personal empowerment. The team also visited the American Community School in Amman to support the launch of a new boys and girls wrestling program for both Middle School and High School.

In Fuheis, the envoy visited a local sports club, sparking new excitement for eager young athletes. They explored wrestling fundamentals with an emphasis on confidence-building and teamwork. The response was enthusiastic, signaling the growing momentum behind the movement.

The powerful week of engagement concluded with an intensive training session for the Jordanian National Women’s Wrestling Team. The energy in the room was electric as the women embraced the challenge, pushing beyond their usual limits. Though physically exhausted, they ended the session with laughter and a group photo — a lasting image of their strength, unity, and determination. The “Pinning Dreams” initiative underscored how women’s sports — and wrestling in particular — can be a powerful tool for diplomacy and social mobility.

“Wrestling is more than a sport — it’s a pathway to confidence, education, and leadership,” said Roberts. “By stepping on the mat, these girls are stepping into their future roles as leaders in their communities and beyond.”

Maya Qtaishat (left)

Already, the seeds of this work are bearing fruit. The first Jordanian female wrestler, Maya Qtaishat, has earned a scholarship to a U.S. university, becoming part of a growing legacy of sports-based international exchange and opportunity in the Middle East.

With support from Abdaljaleel, Mann, the U.S. Department of State, President Al-Awamleh of the Jordan Wrestling Federation, Wrestle Like a Girl and Wrestling for Peace, the “Pinning Dreams” program was a huge success and a powerful picture of the future of sports diplomacy for Arab women — one where they are not just participants but formidable changemakers in their communities.

As W4P Ambassador Tyson reflected at the program’s close: “When we give girls the tools — through sport — to navigate the difficult things in life, we ignite change that crosses borders.” After an exciting program-packed week, Dan Russell, W4P Executive Director, expressed his excitement and appreciation: “This initiative was catalytic for the development and growth of wrestling, not just in Jordan, but throughout the Arab world. As an American living in Jordan, it was an honor to participate alongside embassy staff and the Jordan Wrestling Federation. Envoys, Tyson and Roberts, answered the call with wholehearted passion and purpose.”