Iowa State to Add Women's Wrestling Program

New team to debut in 2027-28 academic year

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:11pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in Iowa State's official team colors, conceptually representing the dynamic movements and competitive energy of a women's wrestling match.Iowa State's new women's wrestling program aims to provide talented young athletes with the opportunity to compete at the highest collegiate level.Ames Today

Iowa State University announced on Thursday that it will add women's wrestling as its 18th intercollegiate athletics program, set to debut during the 2027-28 academic year. The decision comes as the school looks to expand opportunities for young women to compete at the highest level in the sport.

Why it matters

The addition of a women's wrestling program at Iowa State reflects the growing popularity and recognition of women's wrestling as a competitive sport. This move aligns with the university's commitment to providing equal opportunities for student-athletes and supporting the development of women's athletics.

The details

Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard stated that the university's rich wrestling tradition will provide a strong foundation for the new women's program. The school aims to attract talented young wrestlers from across the country to compete at the Division I level.

  • Iowa State announced the addition of women's wrestling on April 17, 2026.
  • The women's wrestling program will debut during the 2027-28 academic year.

The players

Jamie Pollard

The Director of Athletics at Iowa State University, who announced the addition of the women's wrestling program.

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What they’re saying

“Iowa State enjoys a rich wrestling tradition, and we believe the addition of women's wrestling will afford tremendous opportunities for young women not only in Iowa, but around the country, to compete at the highest level in the sport.”

— Jamie Pollard, Director of Athletics, Iowa State University

What’s next

The university will now begin the process of building the women's wrestling program, including hiring a head coach, recruiting student-athletes, and securing necessary facilities and resources.

The takeaway

The addition of a women's wrestling program at Iowa State University demonstrates the institution's commitment to expanding opportunities for female student-athletes and supporting the growth of women's sports at the collegiate level.