Iowa State University is making a major move in collegiate athletics, announcing Thursday the addition of women’s wrestling as its 18th varsity sport. This historic decision marks the first new varsity program at the school since soccer was introduced in 1996, signaling a significant investment in the future of the sport. The Cyclones are set to begin competition in the 2027-28 academic year, becoming the 12th NCAA women's wrestling program in the wrestling-rich state of Iowa and only the second Power Four institution to sponsor the sport, joining their in-state rival, the University of Iowa.
To lead this groundbreaking program, Iowa State has appointed a coach with a proven championship pedigree. Alli St. John, a two-time World Championships silver medalist and a two-time women’s college national champion at King University, has been named the inaugural head coach. St. John is no stranger to the Cyclone family, having spent the last three years with the Cyclone Regional Training Center. "I am incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity," St. John said. "This is a historic moment... I’m excited to expand that legacy on the women’s side as we work to build a premier program that produces not only NCAA champions, but World and Olympic champions as well."
The university is backing its commitment with substantial resources. The program will support a roster of 30 student-athletes with 10 scholarship equivalents, matching the men's team's limit. Athletes will train in Beyer Hall and compete in the iconic Hilton Coliseum, ensuring they have a first-class experience from day one. This move capitalizes on the explosive growth of girls' wrestling at the high school level, tapping into Iowa's deep-rooted passion for the sport.
In a parallel leadership shift designed to unify the wrestling department, longtime men's head coach Kevin Dresser has been promoted to Director of Wrestling. In this new role, Dresser will oversee both the men's and women's programs, focusing on fundraising and mentoring the coaching staff, which now includes newly promoted men's head coach Brent Metcalf. "The addition of women’s wrestling is an exciting opportunity," Dresser stated. "I can envision the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk dual already and the excitement it will bring." This strategic restructuring positions Iowa State to build a dominant, cohesive wrestling powerhouse for years to come.