In a landmark decision, the NCAA has officially included women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport. This significant milestone, approved at the annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, paves the way for female athletes across all divisions to compete in this dynamic and rapidly growing sport. The inaugural championship is set for 2026, marking a new era of opportunities for women in collegiate athletics.

A New Era for Women’s Wrestling Begins

The journey of women’s wrestling from an emerging sport to a national collegiate championship is a testament to the relentless dedication and passion of athletes, coaches, and advocates. In the vibrant autumn of 2023, the NCAA announced that women’s wrestling would join its prestigious list of championship sports. Over 1,200 women wrestlers are currently competing at NCAA schools, with projections indicating further growth in the coming years. The sport's diversity is also noteworthy, with at least 45% of participants hailing from diverse or international backgrounds.

The approval came after extensive collaboration between the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics, USA Wrestling, and various advocacy groups like Wrestle Like a Girl. These organizations have tirelessly supported the expansion of women’s wrestling, recognizing its potential to inspire and empower future generations of female athletes.

Kennedy Blades, a University of Iowa wrestler and Olympic silver medalist, expressed her joy at the news: “This recognition means so much to women’s wrestling and to women’s sports in general. It shows how much the sport is growing and fulfills the dreams of many young girls who aspire to be NCAA champions.”

Rich Bender, executive director of USA Wrestling, echoed this sentiment: “We salute the NCAA leadership for making this historic decision. Women’s wrestling has been an Olympic sport since 2004 and is one of the fastest-growing sports for young women in the nation.”

Empowering Future Generations

From a journalist’s perspective, this development signals a significant step toward gender equity in sports. By providing a platform for women’s wrestling at the NCAA level, the association not only acknowledges the sport's rapid growth but also fosters a more inclusive and equitable athletic environment. This move will undoubtedly inspire countless young women to pursue their athletic ambitions, knowing they have a clear path to compete at the highest collegiate level.

Sally Roberts, CEO and founder of Wrestle Like a Girl, emphasized the transformative impact: “This moment celebrates the determination and perseverance of countless athletes and advocates. It empowers our next generation of leaders and showcases the limitless potential of women in sports.”

The inclusion of women’s wrestling as an NCAA championship sport reflects a broader trend of increased support and recognition for women’s athletics. As we look forward to the first championship in 2026, it’s clear that this milestone will open doors for many more young women to thrive both on and off the mat.