Former William Penn wrestler Piper Fowler will transfer to Iowa State, she announced on social media May 16.
Fowler is believed to be the first commitment to the Cyclones’ new women’s wrestling program and head coach Alli St. John.
The Cleveland, Tennessee, native won an NAIA title with the Statesmen this past season as a true freshman Fowler is a former U17 World champion and has won numerous national titles.
She follows her coach Jake Kadel to Iowa State. Kadel is heading to Ames to be the program’s first assistant coach. He had served as the head coach of William Penn’s women’s wrestling program since the 2023-24 season.
Iowa State announced April 16 that the school is adding women’s wrestling as a varsity sport, replacing women’s gymnastics. Women’s wrestling will debut as Iowa State’s 18th intercollegiate athletics program during the 2027-28 academic year.
St. John was introduced as the Cyclone women’s first head coach during the April 16 news conference. Former men’s coach Kevin Dresser was named director of wrestling, and former men’s assistant Brent Metcalf was promoted to head coach.
The NCAA held its first national championship in women’s wrestling this year in Coralville. There are 113 NCAA members that sponsor women’s wrestling as a varsity sport, including six at the Division I level — Iowa, Lehigh, Delaware State, Lindenwood, Presbyterian and Sacred Heart. Kent State has announced plans to begin a program in 2027-28. Within the state of Iowa, there are 15 universities and colleges that sponsor the sport.
ISU sports information contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: William Penn NAIA champion to join Iowa State women’s wrestling team
Reporting by Register staff report, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
