NAIA Univ. of Rio Grande in Ohio adds women's wrestling, names Alexia Ward head coach

RIO GRANDE, Ohio - The University of Rio Grande has announced the addition of women's wrestling as a varsity sport for the 2024-25 school year and has named Alexia Ward as the program's head coach.

Rio Grande athletic director Jeff Lanham made the announcement Thursday morning.

"This is an historic day for the University of Rio Grande Athletics. We're very excited to add women's wrestling as a varsity sport," Lanham said. "Women's Wrestling is the fastest-growing sport in the country. With the hiring of coach Ward, Rio is prepared to provide an increased opportunity for women on our campus to participate in a varsity sport and to be a part of leading the growth of women's wrestling."

Ward is a 2020 graduate of McKendree University, an NCAA Division II school located in Lebanon, IL.

She was named a Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association All-American in 2015-16 and was an NCAA National Champion in the 130-pound bracket during the 2019-20 season.

Ward served as a volunteer assistant coach at McKendree for each of the past four seasons.

"I'm beyond excited to start a women's program at Rio Grande. My passion for fostering the growth of women's wrestling and guiding others towards achieving their goals runs deep," she said "I am confident that we can cultivate an exceptional program where our main focus is to provide young athletes with opportunities for personal growth both on and off the mat."

A native of Portland, Ore., Ward said her time as both an athlete and a coach at McKendree has paved the way for the opportunity she's been given at Rio Grande.

"My background has been shaped by incredible mentors in women's wrestling, particularly during my time at McKendree University where I was part of a national championship team," said Ward, who will be assisted by Qian'te Wagner. "We're truly blessed to be a part of an institution that prides itself on having a family atmosphere. The support and camaraderie demonstrated by everyone at Rio - from the president to the entire staff - has been extremely encouraging. We are immensely proud to be a part of the RedStorm."

Ward has aleady begun the process of filling a roster for the upcoming season and recruiting for the future.

She's confident in her ability to get the program pointed in the right direction right from the get-go.

"As wrestlers we're extremely competitive by nature so, of course, I have a vision of winning national titles and having 30 girls on the team all battling for their spot on the roster," Ward said. "But the number one priority for my team is to develop a team culture of camaraderie, positivity, discipline, and work ethic. Without these things, we can't even think about winning. Championships and results are about winning each day, getting better at wrestling, and enjoying the process. I can't wait to get started."