Iowa State University is making a major move in collegiate athletics, announcing it will launch a varsity women's wrestling program beginning in the 2027-28 season. This decision establishes the Cyclones as the ninth Division I school to add the sport at the varsity level, signaling a significant commitment to the rapid growth of women's wrestling nationwide.

The program will be led by a formidable figure in the sport: Alli St. John, a former two-time silver medalist at the World Wrestling Championships. Her appointment underscores Iowa State's ambition to build a championship-caliber team from the ground up, leveraging the school's storied wrestling tradition.

"Iowa State enjoys a rich wrestling tradition, and we believe the addition of women's wrestling will afford tremendous opportunities for young women not only in Iowa, but around the country, to compete at the highest level in the sport," said Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard. He emphasized the goal of building a program that mirrors the historic success of the men's team.

This expansion follows a difficult period for the athletic department, coming less than two months after the abrupt elimination of the women's gymnastics program. Pollard cited "unreconcilable differences" within that team and concerns over the student-athlete experience, noting that the former gymnastics practice facility in Beyer Hall will be repurposed for the new wrestling team.

Pollard was clear that the shift was not financially motivated. "Adding another women’s sport will probably cost equal or more than what we’re already spending on the gymnastics program. This is about student-athlete experience," he stated.

The timing of Iowa State's announcement aligns with a pivotal moment for the sport. The NCAA held its first-ever women's wrestling championship this season, a landmark event that validates the sport's rising profile and creates a clear championship pathway for new programs like the one in Ames.

For athletes and fans, this move promises to inject new energy into the Iowa State athletics community, creating opportunities for a new generation of competitors to write their own chapter in Cyclone wrestling history.