NCAA Div. II Adams State in Colorado to add women’s wrestling, starting in the fall of 2023

ALAMOSA, Colo.— Adams State University Director of Athletics Katelyn Smith is excited to announce the addition of women's wrestling to the Grizzly athletic programs beginning in the Fall of 2023.


"We are ecstatic to make this announcement of the addition of Women's Wrestling," said Smith. "When looking at our department, it just makes sense and we know with the rate of growth for Women's Wrestling, we are making the right decision to add it to our programs."


Women's wrestling has exploded across the country as 62 NCAA universities now offer the sport around the U.S. including numerous in the geographical region around Colorado and several inside the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference such as Colorado Mesa University and Chadron State College. The sport is now considered an "emerging sport" within the NCAA.


The University of Iowa made a mark became the first "Power Five" school to add women's wrestling, as they will begin competing in 2022.


"We are excited and are eager to build off the successes of our top ranked and nationally recognized Men's Wrestling Program," said Smith as she eluded to the Grizzlies three national champions at last year's NCAA Championships. "The goal, and standard, will be to have similar success with Women's Wrestling."


Smith also noted that a national search for the new Head Women's Wrestling coach will begin soon.


NCAA women's wrestling schools will compete at the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships, a postseason championship for NCAA-sponsored schools while women's wrestling is in emerging sports status.