Kent State University announced women’s wrestling as its 20th varsity sport, becoming the first NCAA Division I institution in Ohio and fifth nationally to sponsor the rapidly growing sport.
The program will begin competition in fall 2027, with plans to hire the first head coach by summer 2026. The university is currently planning facility renovations that will include updated locker rooms and coaches’ offices to support the new program.
“This is an exciting day for Kent State University and for the continued advancement of women’s sports,” said Kent State Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randale L. Richmond. “Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and establishing this program allows Kent State to support that growth while creating new opportunities for female student-athletes in Ohio and beyond. We are proud to lead the way as the first Division I program in the state to sponsor the sport.”…