Some of Iowa’s private colleges are expanding their athletics rosters with a sport that’s been growing across the state and U.S. — women’s wrestling. According to a report by the Iowa Capital Dispatch, Coe College in Cedar Rapids and St. Ambrose University in Davenport have announced they are establishing women’s wrestling teams, with both set to begin competing in the 2026-2027 season. Both universities cited in news releases the sport’s increasing popularity and expanded opportunities for student athletes as drivers behind the additions.

St. Ambrose Athletics Director Mike Holmes said in a press release, “As early as four years ago, we saw the tremendous momentum behind girls’ wrestling at the high school level, especially in Iowa and Illinois. We’ve had our eye on this opportunity ever since, and we’re excited to bring that vision to life for our Ambrosian student-athletes.” Steve Cook, director of athletics and recreation at Coe College, said in the release the university is “all in” on building its women’s wrestling program, the 23rd NCAA sport offered by the college.

According to the Coe College release, participation in high school women’s wrestling has quintupled since 2013, with 46 states now sponsoring the sport. The first NCAA women’s wrestling championship is set for 2026, the release stated. “With women’s wrestling, there’s a lot of momentum state and nationwide, and just seeing how much fire it’s caught in Eastern Iowa — there’s just a lot of excitement about the sport,” Cook said. “The time is now to welcome it with open arms.” While Coe College has selected an alum and accomplished wrestler to lead its team, St. Ambrose said in its news release a coach will be hired during the upcoming academic year “to lead recruiting, scheduling, and program development.” Kaleb Reeves, a three-time NCAA All-American wrestler who graduated from Coe in 2023, has already started recruitment for the new program, according to the Coe College release.

Men’s wrestling at St. Ambrose was established in 2021, according to the university’s release, and facilities for the sport were constructed with a future women’s team in mind, with locker rooms and offices built specifically for the soon-to-be-realized team. With plans to start recruiting 10 student athletes for the initial roster, the release stated St. Ambrose will look to expand the team to 20 players within four years. Students participating in the sport will also have access to the university’s “supportive academic environment and mission-driven approach to student success,” according to the release.

“This is about more than just adding a sport,” said St. Ambrose President Amy Novak in the release. “It’s about reflecting our Catholic values of inclusion, opportunity, and investing in the whole student. These students who are also athletes will be an important part of our community, and we look forward to cheering them on.”