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.