Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Iowa State to Launch Varsity Women’s Wrestling in 2027–28, Taps Alli St. John as Coach

The move signals broader momentum in girls' wrestling nationwide.

Overview

  • Iowa State, which announced Thursday, will add women's wrestling with competition set for the 2027-28 season.
  • Alli St. John was appointed the inaugural head coach, as Kevin Dresser becomes Director of Wrestling and Brent Metcalf is promoted to lead the men's team.
  • The new program will field 30 athletes with 10 scholarship equivalents, host meets at Hilton Coliseum, and practice in Beyer Hall.
  • The addition follows the March 3 decision to discontinue women's gymnastics, which the athletic director attributed to internal issues.
  • Iowa State joins Iowa as only the second Power Four school with varsity women's wrestling and becomes the 12th NCAA program in the state, a step coaches and high school wrestlers say will grow opportunities and crowds.