Simpson College launches women's wrestling program

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Simpson College announced today the addition of women's wrestling as a varsity sport. The team will begin competition in 2022-23, bringing the total number of varsity sports offered by the College to 23.

"Our new women's wrestling program creates yet another point of distinction for Simpson College in the recruiting market, " President Marsha Kelliher said. "Providing opportunities for young women in a sport with increasing momentum aligns perfectly with our mission and vision. We want to create innovative ways for future students to embrace and engage in the Simpson experience."

Recognized as an emerging sport in 2020 by the NCAA for all three college divisions, women's wrestling is sanctioned for high school competition in 32 states. Simpson is now one of two Iowa schools competing in NCAA Division III women's wrestling among eight programs offered in the state.

"We are thrilled to add women's wrestling to our growing family of high-impact athletic programs," Director of Athletics Marty Bell said. "It provides another attractive avenue for strengthening our academic profile and culture of competitive excellence. We are always looking to create new and exciting opportunities for students to join our 'ONESimpson' family."

The search for a women's coach will begin immediately with hopes of filling the position by Dec. 1. Women's wrestling is the fourth athletics program to be launched this fall, following the additions of women's and men's gymnastics and men's volleyball. More developments related to the strategic plan for enhancing athletics will be announced in the coming weeks.