New York City Council Member Justin Sanchez Proclaims March 31 as 'Karian Aspinall Day'

The Beat the Streets New York student-athlete received the honor for being the first New York City girl to win a boys wrestling city championship and compete at the boys state tournament.

New York City officially recognized Beat the Streets New York Wrestling student-athlete Karian Aspinall with a city proclamation, declaring March 31 as "Karian Aspinall Day" in honor of her historic achievement in the sport of wrestling.

New York City Council Member Justin Sanchez of District 17 presented the proclamation Wednesday afternoon in front of a packed gymnasium of students, faculty and staff at Aspinall's high school, Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists. The recognition also marked Council Member Sanchez's first official proclamation since taking office.

Aspinall made history as the first New York City girl to win a Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) Boys Wrestling Individual City Championships and compete at the New York state Boys Wrestling Individual Championships in February.

Aspinall is an active member of the BTSNY program, where she continues to grow as both an athlete and leader. Her journey reflects the transformative power of access, mentorship and opportunity in shaping New York City youth into champions on and off the wrestling mat.

City Council Member Justin Sanchez

"Karian, your unprecedented victory in a traditionally male-dominated arena... well not anymore! Not only did (your achievement) showcase a technical mastery of wrestling, but it showed strength and resolve in overcoming adversity and barriers that come with being a woman and competing in spaces that are not as welcoming to everyone.

"But like many history-making women, you refused to be compliance. You refused to say that that barrier is going to stop me and instead said, 'oh about I use that as a launching pad to soar.'"

Beat the Streets New York Executive Director Bob Seidel

"This moment represents more than just one incredible student-athlete's accomplishment. It is a powerful statement about the growth of girls wrestling across New York City and around the country. We are proud of Karian and hope this moment raises the bar for thousands of New York City girls, inspiring them to dream big and achieve great things in the sport of wrestling and in life."

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About Beat the Streets New York 

Beat the Streets Wrestling is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the full human and athletic potential of New York City’s urban youth through the sport of wrestling. Beat the Streets has pioneered a movement that now includes 110 individual wrestling programs, a youth league and the first girls high school league. Through wrestling, Beat the Streets instills discipline, perseverance, self-reliance, humility, and a strong work ethic, creating lifelong impact for more than 4,000 student-athletes while strengthening NYC’s wrestling culture. To learn more and support the mission, visit btsny.org/donate and follow Beat the Streets on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.