How Many Women’s College Wrestling Teams Are There?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Women’s college wrestling has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few years. As more and more women are getting involved in this traditionally male-dominated sport, the number of women’s college wrestling teams across the United States has been steadily increasing. In this article, we will explore just how many women’s college wrestling teams there are and the growth of this sport. The Rise of Women’s College Wrestling Women’s wrestling has come a long way since its inception. It was first recognized as an Olympic sport in 2004, which gave it much-needed exposure and credibility. Since then, women’s wrestling has gained momentum at both the high school and collegiate levels. Benefits of Women’s Wrestling Women’s wrestling offers numerous benefits to those who participate. It promotes physical fitness, confidence building, and discipline. Additionally, it provides female athletes with opportunities for scholarships and career advancement in coaching or sports administration. How Many Women’s College Wrestling Teams Are There? As of now, there are approximately 70 colleges and universities in the United States that offer women’s college wrestling programs. These teams compete at various divisions, including NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). NCAA Division I NCAA Division I is considered the highest level of competition for collegiate sports. Currently, there are 10 NCAA Division I women’s college wrestling teams. Some notable institutions with these programs include Arizona State University, Campbellsville University, and Presbyterian College. NCAA Division II NCAA Division II is another competitive division that offers opportunities for female wrestlers. There are currently 16 NCAA Division II women’s college wrestling teams across the country. These schools include California Baptist University, Lindenwood University, and McKendree University. NCAA Division III NCAA Division III schools focus on a more well-rounded student-athlete experience. There are currently 24 NCAA Division III women’s college wrestling teams. Some examples of these institutions include Augsburg University, Ferrum College, and MacMurray College. NAIA The NAIA is an organization that oversees athletic programs at smaller colleges and universities. Currently, there are 12 NAIA women’s college wrestling teams. Schools such as Midland University, Oklahoma City University, and Waldorf University offer these programs. NJCAA The NJCAA provides opportunities for student-athletes to participate in sports at the junior college level. There are currently 8 NJCAA women’s college wrestling teams. Some notable institutions in this category include Jamestown Community College, North Idaho College, and Western Wyoming Community College. The Future of Women’s College Wrestling The growth of women’s college wrestling has been impressive in recent years. With more colleges and universities recognizing the demand for this sport, it is expected that the number of women’s college wrestling teams will continue to increase. This will provide even more opportunities for female athletes to compete at the collegiate level and pursue their passion for wrestling. In conclusion, there are currently around 70 colleges and universities across the United States that offer women’s college wrestling programs. These teams compete at various divisions including NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA. The rise of women’s wrestling has opened doors for female athletes to excel in a sport that was once dominated by men. With the increasing number of opportunities available in women’s college wrestling, it is an exciting time for aspiring female wrestlers to pursue their dreams at the collegiate level.
