Kelley Strong doesn’t look like just one of the guys. On the mat, however, the Union County junior shows all the strength and skills as her male opponents.

Strong, who joined the Yellow Jackets’ wrestling team this year and is the team’s only female, won her first match over Christmas break against Clover. She is the first female to win a wrestling match in Union County history.

“It was very exciting,” said Strong, 16, who wrestles in the 112-pound weight class. “I thought wrestling would be easier, but it is the hardest sport I have ever done.”

Strong, an already accomplished runner in cross country and track, became interested in wrestling last year while watching Yellow Jacket All-Region wrestler Dylan Lawson compete.

“It looked like a lot of fun and I wanted to do something different this year,” she said. “So why not?”

Wrestling coach Todd Davis said the team has accepted Strong with open arms.

“The guys have really taken to her and treat her like a sister,” Davis said. “She has a strong work ethic and great attitude. She doesn't mind mixing it up with anyone.”

For Strong, being the team’s only female has been an easy transition.

“It has been fun. My teammates support and motivate me to keep going,” she said. “I have gotten tough since starting.”

So far the biggest challenge for Strong, who runs everyday after wrestling practice, has been keeping weight.

“Kelley has come a long way since day one and she continues to get better everyday,” Davis said. “She is willing to do anything that is asked of her and doesn't complain when it gets tough. I know she is going to give 100 percent every time she steps on the mat.”

Strong said she plans to compete on the team her senior year. After that, she is thinking about doing cross county in college and studying to become a physical therapist.