Iowa women’s wrestling is losing a key part of its staff this offseason.
Assistant coach Tonya Verbeek has taken a new position with USA Wrestling as a women’s freestyle assistant and resident coach, according to a press release from USA Wrestling. Verbeek as been an assistant with the Hawkeyes since 2022, virtually since the start of the program. She helped coach nine individuals to 12 national titles in her tenure, as well as two National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championship team titles and a runner-up finish at the inaugural NCAA Championships this past March.
“The past four years at the University of Iowa have been incredibly meaningful to me,” Verbeek said in a release. “I’m grateful for the relationships built with the athletes, coaches, staff, parents and fans who have made this experience so special. As I step into this next chapter coaching Team USA, I do so with a full heart, a renewed passion for the sport, and deep appreciation for everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Verbeek is a highly credentialed wrestler, as a three-time Olympic medalist (silver in 2004 and 2012, bronze in 2008) and a seven-time Senior World team member and three-time World medalist (silver in 2011, bronze in 2005 and 2009) for Canada. In her new role with USA Wrestling, the release stated her focus would be “the continued development of the college-to-National Team pipeline and the expansion of opportunities for young women to receive a college education while also pursuing the Olympic dream.”
“Tonya’s addition represents a significant step forward for the continued growth and success of USA Wrestling’s women’s program,” USA Wrestling women’s freestyle head coach Terry Steiner said in a release. “Known for her relentless work ethic, technical precision, and athlete-centered approach, she is uniquely equipped to connect with and elevate athletes at every level of the national team pipeline. As both a resident coach and assistant national coach, she will play a critical role in daily training, long-term athlete development, and international preparation. Her presence is a game changer, and we are confident she is the right fit to help lead Team USA toward sustained excellence on the World and Olympic stage.”
As for Iowa, both head coach Clarissa Chun and associate head coach Gary Mayabb will continue leading the way as they look to fill the now-vacant assistant coaching position on staff.
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 Hawk Central: Iowa women’s wrestling’s Tonya Verbeek takes position at USA Wrestling
Reporting by Eli McKown, Des Moines Register / Hawk Central
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
