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NAIA Lindsey Wilson in Kentucky adds women's wrestling program

by Lindsey Wilson College

Graphic displaying Lindsay Wilson College adding women's wrestling
(Photo by Lindsey Wilson College)

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson College is scheduled to add women's wrestling to its athletic department beginning in the fall of 2024, Lindsey Wilson athletics director Willis Pooler announced today.


Women's wrestling is the first addition to Lindsey Wilson athletics since archery was added in 2016-17. Women's wrestling becomes the 27th program and the 12th women's program in the athletic department. The department also sponsors 12 men's sports and three co-ed sports.


"I am extremely excited to start a women's wrestling program," Pooler said. "It is a logical program to add considering it is a conference and NAIA championship sport.


"We have had such great success with our men's program, so we know we are prepared and able to do the same with our women's program," Pooler added. "We are committed to supporting the program to compete at the highest level in the NAIA."


Lindsey Wilson will compete in the Mid-South Conference, becoming the 11th team in the conference in 2024-25. The Blue Raiders join the conference that includes Brewton-Parker (Ga.), Campbellsville (Ky.) Cumberlands (Ky.), Indiana Tech, Life (Ga.), Lourdes (Ohio), Montreat (N.C.), Rochester (Mich.), Siena Heights (Mich.), and St. Andrews (N.C.).


In addition to the Mid-South, the Blue Raiders will compete in the NAIA where the association will be in its third year of offering a national championship for women's wrestling in 2025.


The 2025 Mid-South Conference championship is slated for February in Bowling Green, Ky., while the NAIA National Championship is scheduled for March 8-9 in Jamestown, North Dakota.


"Like other programs we have started recently, we have already begun the recruiting process and have enrolled several student-athletes who will compete for us next fall," Pooler said. "This is another example of the College's commitment to provide opportunities to students who otherwise would not be here to be impacted by our mission and have life-changing experiences. I can't wait until next fall."