NCAA Adds Women's Wrestling as Championship Sport
The NCAA added women's wrestling as its 91st championship sport at its annual convention last week in Nashville, Tennessee.
Women's wrestling now advances from the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program to become a national collegiate championship, featuring female athletes from all three divisions. The NCAA's first women's wrestling championship will be in 2026.
"We are thrilled that women's wrestling will be an NCAA sport, making it the 91st championship that we host," NCAA President Charlie Baker said. "We extend a big thank you to everyone who supported this effort and the athletes, coaches and fans for their passion for a fast-growing and exciting sport that brings even more opportunities for women to participate in athletics."
There were 76 women's wrestling programs at NCAA schools in 2023-24, with projections pointing to an additional 17 programs in 2024-25. More than 1,200 women wrestlers are competing at NCAA schools today. The sport is also diverse. At least 45% of the student-athletes competing are of diverse or international backgrounds.
Muhlenberg is in its first season of competition in women's wrestling and has enjoyed a campaign filled with milestones, including a pin in its first match ever, two Mules earning regional rankings, and the program's first-ever win in a dual match, against Felician.
"This is a monumental vote that will significantly change the lives of many women wrestlers," said Muhlenberg head coach Travis Spencer. "I am so happy to be a part of this ride and appreciate the efforts of Muhlenberg College to be at the forefront. Our program, our region, and this sport will be thriving at a rapid pace. We are beyond grateful for the administrators who voted an astounding 100%."
The Mules are scheduled to compete in the Pennsylvania State Championships this Sunday and return home for their first matches ever in Memorial Hall on Saturday, February 1.
Muhlenberg officially added women's wrestling as its 23rd varsity sport in February 2023, further advancing its commitment to provide robust and competitive athletics opportunities.
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