Women’s college wrestling is coming to Ames.
Iowa State announced the creation of the program during a press conference at the Hilton Coliseum on Thursday, April 16. The new program comes weeks after the women’s gymnastics program was discontinued on March 3. The Cyclones will begin competition during the 2027-28 academic year, will offer 10 scholarships and have a roster of 30 positions on its inaugural team, according to Iowa State.
Alli St. John (née Ragan), a former elite freestyle wrestler and two-time Worlds silver medalist, has been tabbed to lead the program. Longtime Iowa State men’s wrestling coach Kevin Dresser has been promoted to director of wrestling, overseeing both the men’s and women’s programs. Brent Metcalf, an assistant on Dresser’s staff, will now lead the men’s program following Dresser’s promotion.
“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,” said Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard. “This is a great day for wrestling in the state of Iowa and at Iowa State University, and we look forward to growing a program under Coach Alli St. John that will build off the historic success of our men’s team.
“As we considered future opportunities for female athletes, it became clear that women’s wrestling offered Iowa State University the best combination of strategic fit, start-up efficiency and growth potential,” he added. “Women’s wrestling is recognized as one of the nation’s fastest growing sports at both the high school and collegiate level, and we are excited to help grow the sport for future generations of young women.”
Women’s wrestling just completed its first sanctioned season as an NCAA sport, wrapping up with the national championships from March 6-7 in Coralville. The Cyclones will be just the second power conference institution to create a women’s wrestling program, following in the footsteps of the University of Iowa, which began official competition during the 2023-24 season.
Currently, Delaware State University, the University of Iowa, Kent State University, Lehigh University, Lindenwood University and Presbyterian College all have programs or are in the process of starting one on the Division I level.
“The addition of women’s wrestling is an exciting opportunity for Iowa State Athletics,” Dresser said. “The fact that it is one of the fastest growing sports at the high school level, coupled with the overall love of wrestling in the state of Iowa, makes this a very good decision. I can envision the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk dual already and the excitement it will bring to the sport. I am excited to roll up my sleeves and help start another wrestling program.”
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State announces addition of women’s wrestling program
Reporting by Eli McKown, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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