Kenya Sloan appointed as NCAA Div. I and HBCU Delaware State's inaugural women's head coach

DOVER, Del. - Delaware State Athletics has announced the hiring of Kenya Sloan, who will serve as the first women's wrestling head coach in Delaware State University history. The new team will begin competition in the 2025-26 academic year.

Sloan most recently served as an assistant women's wrestling coach at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. During the 2024-25 season, the Pioneers were 10-8 and took second place in the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships (NCWWC) Regional.

"For HBCU Wrestling, hiring Coach Sloan represents more than a coaching decision, it's a statement of purpose," said Jahi Jones, Executive Director of HBCU Wrestling Initiative. "At a time when women's wrestling is growing rapidly, Delaware State is setting the standard by investing in leadership, legacy, and opportunity for young women who will go on to become leaders and make a lasting impact on the world.

"Kenya Sloan has been a champion on the mat, but she's also truly a champion off the mat. Her energy is contagious, her leadership is intentional, and her commitment to developing young women through wrestling is exactly what this moment calls for. She's not just building a team, she's building a foundation for leaders to be cultivated. We look forward to supporting DSU and Coach Sloan through this journey."

Delaware State Senior Associate Vice President of Athletics and Director of Athletics Tony Tucker and Deputy Athletic Director for Athletic Governance Mark Bennett echoed this praise for Sloan.

"Kenya Sloan really stood out to our search committee, given her background as a student-athlete and a coach, as well as her leadership in the women's wrestling community," Tucker said. "As we approach the inaugural season, we are thrilled to give our women student-athletes a platform to compete, grow, and inspire others. We are excited for Coach Sloan to begin recruiting the inaugural wrestling class, and we're excited to see her lead this new team this fall."

"Among a highly talented and competitive pool of applicants, Coach Sloan distinguished herself not only with her impressive credentials, but also with the energy, vision, and authenticity she demonstrated throughout the interview process," Bennett said. "Her knowledge of the sport, combined with a genuine passion for developing student-athletes, makes her the ideal leader to launch and build our women's wrestling program."

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tenn., Sloan began wrestling at the age of seven after being inspired by her younger brother's practices. A coach recognized her enthusiasm and encouraged her to try the sport, setting her on a path to becoming one of Tennessee's most decorated athletes.

The early stages of Sloan's wrestling career were marked by her successes at Hardin Valley Academy, where she became Tennessee's first four-time female state champion with an undefeated record of 87-0. She was honored as the Outstanding Wrestler at the state tournament in her senior year and was the top-ranked wrestler at 180 pounds in the National Girls' High School rankings.

Sloan continued her wrestling career at Campbellsville University, where she served as team captain and achieved significant milestones. These included being the 2022 NAIA National Champion (155 lbs.), a Mid-South Conference Champion, a two-time NAIA All-American, a two-time WCWA All-American, and a four-time Academic All-American.

Internationally, Sloan represented Team USA and won gold at the 2019 Junior Pan American Championships. She also secured a gold medal at the Berlin Open, dominating the 76 kg. weight class with four consecutive victories.

Shortly after completing her competitive career, Sloan joined Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart head coach Paulina Biega, who previously coached Sloan at Campbellsville University, praised her as "dedicated, driven, passionate, and kind," emphasizing her ability to foster both athletic and personal growth among student-athletes.

Sloan's previous coaching experience consists of serving as a guest clinician in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center's U17 developmental camp in Colorado Springs, Colo. Additionally, she volunteered as a coach for the girls' wrestling program at Knoxville Catholic High School and contributed as a co-host and representative for girls' wrestling on the official Tennessee USA Wrestling podcast.

Prior to her collegiate coaching role, Sloan founded and led the Knoxville Girls' Wrestling Club in Tennessee, the first all-girls wrestling club in the state. Under her guidance, providing supplemental training to middle and high school female wrestlers, the club secured the Tennessee Freestyle State Tournament title in its inaugural year.

Beyond the mat, Sloan has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and mentorship. She co-authored the book Can We Go to Lunch? Winning, Developing, & Mentoring the Heart of a Teenager, which explores the transformative power of mentorship in the lives of young people. Her involvement in student ministry leadership at local churches in Tennessee and Kentucky includes organizing student volunteer teams, planning events, and delivering inspirational talks. These experiences have equipped her with the skills to connect with and guide young individuals effectively.

Sloan earned bachelor's degrees in Exercise Science and Educational Ministries from Campbellsville University. Her professional background includes roles as a Certified Stretch Therapist and Physical Therapy Tech.