How Many Colleges Offer Womens Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Women’s wrestling has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more colleges recognizing it as an official sport. If you’re a female athlete looking to pursue wrestling at the collegiate level, you might be wondering how many colleges actually offer women’s wrestling programs. In this article, we will explore the current state of women’s wrestling in college sports. The Growth of Women’s Wrestling Women’s wrestling has come a long way since its inception. It first gained recognition as an Olympic sport in 2004, which helped pave the way for its inclusion at the collegiate level. Over the years, the number of colleges offering women’s wrestling programs has steadily increased, creating more opportunities for female athletes to compete and excel. The Number of Colleges Offering Women’s Wrestling As of now, there are approximately 80+ colleges across the United States that offer women’s wrestling programs. These colleges are spread out across different divisions, including NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). Division I Women’s Wrestling Programs Several Division I colleges have recognized the potential and talent in women’s wrestling and have established programs to support female wrestlers. Some notable Division I schools offering women’s wrestling include: Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) Penn State is known for its successful men’s wrestling program and has also made significant strides in developing its women’s wrestling program. Female wrestlers at Penn State have access to top-notch facilities and coaching staff. University of Iowa Iowa is another powerhouse in collegiate wrestling that offers a competitive women’s program. The university has a rich tradition of success in men’s wrestling and is committed to providing equal opportunities for female athletes. University of Michigan Michigan is home to a highly regarded women’s wrestling program that competes at the Division I level. Female wrestlers at Michigan have the opportunity to train with experienced coaches and compete against top-notch competition. Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA Women’s Wrestling Programs While Division I schools may steal the spotlight, there are numerous opportunities for female wrestlers at other collegiate levels. Many Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA schools offer women’s wrestling programs. Here are a few examples: McKendree University McKendree University is an NCAA Division II school located in Illinois. They have a successful women’s wrestling program that competes against other schools in their division. King University King University, located in Tennessee, is an NCAA Division II school known for its strong commitment to women’s wrestling. They have won several national championships and have produced many successful female wrestlers. Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City University is an NAIA school that has a highly competitive women’s wrestling program. Their team consistently performs well at the national level and provides a supportive environment for female athletes. Other notable colleges offering women’s wrestling across different divisions include: Lindenwood University (NCAA Division II) Cornell College (NCAA Division III) Jamestown Community College (NJCAA) In Conclusion The number of colleges offering women’s wrestling programs has grown significantly over the years. Female athletes now have more opportunities than ever before to compete in this exciting sport at the collegiate level. Whether you aspire to wrestle at a Division I powerhouse or prefer a smaller program in another division, there are options available to suit your goals and aspirations. So, lace up your wrestling shoes and get ready to take on the mat at one of the many colleges that offer women’s wrestling!
