3 Sisters Aim to Make History in Collegiate Wrestling

Jamilah, Latifah and Zaynah McBryde seek to become the first trio of siblings to win national titles in the same year.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:04am

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A cubist-style painting featuring three female wrestlers in dynamic, overlapping geometric poses, their hijabs and uniforms rendered in bold, contrasting colors, capturing the energy and determination of the McBryde sisters' historic quest.The McBryde sisters' pursuit of making history as the first trio of siblings to win national wrestling titles in the same year is a testament to their dedication and the power of representation in sports.Atlanta Today

Jamilah, Latifah and Zaynah McBryde, three Muslim sisters from Buffalo, New York, are in their final year of collegiate wrestling eligibility at Life University in Atlanta. After helping the school win its first-ever Women's Wrestling National Championship in 2024, the sisters are now chasing an even more ambitious goal - becoming the first trio of siblings to all win individual national titles in the same year.

Why it matters

The McBryde sisters' journey has been marked by significant hurdles, including initially being prevented from competing outside of practice due to their hijabs. However, their perseverance and Life University's successful initiative to change uniform rules in 2022 have paved the way for them to make history in their sport.

The details

Jamilah, Latifah and Zaynah McBryde represent different weight classes (138, 160 and 145 pounds respectively) and have each won individual national titles, but not in the same year. Now in their final year of eligibility, they are determined to achieve this feat together as part of a supportive team that has embraced their unwavering commitment to their beliefs.

  • The sisters helped Life University win its first-ever Women's Wrestling National Championship in 2024.
  • In 2022, Life University spearheaded a successful initiative to change uniform rules, allowing the sisters to wrestle in college with their hijabs.
  • The sisters are in their final year of collegiate wrestling eligibility in 2025.

The players

Jamilah McBryde

One of the three McBryde sisters, competing in the 138-pound weight class.

Latifah McBryde

One of the three McBryde sisters, competing in the 160-pound weight class.

Zaynah McBryde

One of the three McBryde sisters, competing in the 145-pound weight class.

Ashley Flavin

The coach of the Life University wrestling team, who has embraced the McBryde sisters and their unwavering commitment to their beliefs.

Life University

The Atlanta-based university where the McBryde sisters are in their final year of collegiate wrestling eligibility, and where they helped the school win its first-ever Women's Wrestling National Championship in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Three siblings all winning it in the same year. That's the goal. That's the dream.”

— Latifah McBryde

“We were homeschooled, so we never really had any friendships, I'd say.”

— Zaynah McBryde

“There is no apology from them. They're like, 'No, this is what it is,' and we have to be ok with it. I think that's something very inspiring, not apologizing for what you believe in.”

— Ashley Flavin, Coach, Life University

What’s next

The McBryde sisters will compete in their final collegiate wrestling season in 2025, with the goal of all three winning individual national titles in the same year.

The takeaway

The McBryde sisters' journey has been marked by perseverance and a refusal to compromise their beliefs, inspiring their team and sparking positive change in collegiate wrestling. Their pursuit of making history as the first trio of siblings to win national titles in the same year is a testament to their dedication and the power of representation in sports.