Iowa State University Launches Women's Wrestling Program with Alli St. John as Head Coach
Iowa State adds women’s wrestling, Alli St. John to coach
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Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, has announced the addition of women's wrestling as its 18th varsity sport, set to begin in the 2027-28 academic year. Alli St. John, a two-time World Wrestling Championships silver medalist, has been appointed as the first head coach, marking a significant milestone for both the university and the sport.
- 01Iowa State adds women's wrestling as its 18th varsity sport, starting in 2027-28.
- 02Alli St. John appointed as the first head coach; she is a two-time World Championships silver medalist.
- 03The program will support 30 student-athletes with 10 scholarship equivalents.
- 04Iowa State becomes the 12th NCAA school in Iowa to offer women's wrestling.
- 05Kevin Dresser, the men's head coach, will oversee both wrestling programs.
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On April 16, 2026, Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, announced the addition of women's wrestling as its 18th varsity sport, with competition set to begin during the 2027-28 academic year. This marks the first new varsity sport added since soccer in 1996 and makes Iowa State the 12th school in Iowa to establish an NCAA women's wrestling program. The Cyclones will also be only the second Power Four institution to have a varsity women's wrestling program, joining the University of Iowa. Alli St. John, a two-time World Wrestling Championships silver medalist and former women's college national champion, has been appointed as the program's first head coach. St. John expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the significance of this moment for both Iowa State and the sport of wrestling. The program will accommodate a roster of 30 student-athletes with 10 scholarship equivalents, matching the men's team. Competitions will take place in Hilton Coliseum, while practices will be held in Beyer Hall. Additionally, Iowa State's long-time men's head coach, Kevin Dresser, has been named the Director of Wrestling, overseeing both programs and assisting with fundraising efforts.
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The establishment of a women's wrestling program at Iowa State will provide new opportunities for female athletes in the sport, contributing to its growth at the high school and collegiate levels.
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