Iowa State to add women’s wrestling as varsity sport beginning in 2027-28
Iowa State will become the ninth Division I school to add varsity women's wrestling. The news comes after the Cyclones eliminated women's gymnastics.
Women’s wrestling is coming to Iowa State. The Cyclones announced Thursday that the university will be adding a varsity women’s wrestling program as its 18th sport. Alli St.
John, a former two-time silver medalist at the World Wrestling Championships, will be the team’s head coach when it debuts in the 2027-28 season. "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," Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a statement. "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 Alli St.
John that will build off the historic success of our men's team. " The addition of women’s wrestling at Iowa State comes less than two months after the school made the abrupt decision to eliminate its women’s gymnastics program because of what Pollard described as "unreconcilable differences" within the team. Iowa State canceled the remainder of the season for the sport on Feb.
8 because it didn't have enough athletes to compete. Iowa State’s handling of the end of its women’s gymnastics program caused fear in its athletes and frustration from alumni . Former coaches and gymnasts complained that the practice facility was unsafe and outdated.