St. Ambrose and Coe College Launch Women’s Wrestling Programs

Women’s wrestling is picking up steam across the U.S., and now two Iowa private colleges want in. Coe College in Cedar Rapids and St. Ambrose University in Davenport just announced plans to start women’s wrestling programs, aiming to compete in the 2026-2027 season.

Both schools say the sport’s popularity and new opportunities for student-athletes really pushed them to make this move. It’s kind of exciting to see colleges responding to the momentum.

The Rise of Women’s Wrestling

Women’s wrestling has exploded in the past decade. Coe College points out that since 2013, high school participation has jumped fivefold, and 46 states now sponsor the sport.

This kind of growth says a lot about how much more accepted and exciting women’s wrestling has become at both high school and college levels.

Expanding Opportunities for Student-Athletes

Adding women’s wrestling at Coe College and St. Ambrose isn’t just about chasing trends. It’s about giving student-athletes more ways to compete and shine.

Both universities want to support their athletes and create spaces where they can thrive—on the mat and in the classroom.

Coe College’s Commitment to Women’s Wrestling

Coe College really seems all-in on building a strong women’s wrestling program. They’ve tapped Kaleb Reeves, a three-time NCAA All-American and Coe alum, to coach the new team.

Reeves has already started recruiting, hoping to set up a solid foundation right away. With this addition, Coe College will offer 23 NCAA sports, which shows just how much they value athletic variety.

Building a Strong Foundation

Recruiting matters a lot when you’re starting something new. Reeves brings both experience and energy as he looks for top talent to join Coe College.

The school’s proactive approach says a lot about their commitment. They’re not just waiting around for things to happen.

St. Ambrose University’s Vision for Women’s Wrestling

St. Ambrose University seems just as pumped about their new women’s wrestling team. They’ve been planning for this for years, even building facilities with a future women’s team in mind.

They’re looking to hire a coach in the next academic year to handle recruiting, scheduling, and building up the program. The goal is to bring in 10 student-athletes for the first roster and grow to 20 within four years.

Investing in Student Success

St. Ambrose isn’t just focused on wins. Their mission is about helping students grow as people, not just athletes.

Student-athletes will find a supportive academic environment that values inclusion and opportunity. It’s not just about what happens on the mat—it’s about preparing for life, too.

Looking Ahead to the First NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship

There’s a lot of buzz building for the first NCAA women’s wrestling championship, set for 2026. This event will give collegiate women’s wrestling a national spotlight.

Coe College and St. Ambrose University could play a pretty big role in this historic moment. It’s hard not to feel a bit of anticipation.

Momentum in Eastern Iowa

Eastern Iowa, where both schools are located, has a real passion for women’s wrestling. Interest and participation in the area keep climbing, creating a lively community for the sport.

This local energy should help the new programs find their footing and compete at a high level.

A Bright Future for Women’s Wrestling

By launching women’s wrestling programs, Coe College and St. Ambrose University are helping push the sport forward. It’s a sign of growing opportunities for women in athletics and shows just how popular women’s wrestling is becoming across the country.