The Open Mat

Iowa coach Chun signs contract extension through 2031

The University of Iowa announced Friday that women's wrestling head coach Clarissa Chun has signed a contract extension through 2031. Chun, who was hired as the first head coach in program history in November 2021, has quickly built Iowa into a national powerhouse.

Brus flips commitment from McKendree to Iowa State

Greta Brus, one of Iowa's top high school wrestlers, has flipped her commitment from McKendree to Iowa State, giving the Cyclones a major recruiting win.

Iowa State signs Arizona standout Perez

Iowa State women's wrestling continues to add high-level talent to its roster, most recently signing Arizona standout Brooklyn Perez, head coach Alli St. John announced Thursday.

Pitt receives largest gift in program history

The University of Pittsburgh Athletics Department and the Panther Club announced Tuesday a $3 million philanthropic gift to Pitt wrestling, marking the largest single donation in program history.

Two-time NAIA All-American Hingano commits to King

Two-time NAIA All-American Kat Hingano is transferring from Southern Oregon to King University. She placed fourth at the 2026 NAIA Women's Wrestling Championships at 180 pounds.

Doane adds U17 world silver medalist Hattendorf

Skylar Hattendorf, a past age group world medalist, has committed to Doane University. Hattendorf won a gold medal at 62 kilograms for the United States at the 2022 U20 Pan-American Championships and followed with a silver medal in 2024.

Hayden named head women's wrestling coach at Albion

Albion College has named Payne Hayden as its new head women's wrestling coach, with his tenure set to begin June 1.

Hall steps down as Dubuque women's coach

The University of Dubuque will move forward with a leadership change in its women's wrestling program following the resignation of head coach Dennis Hall, who recently stepped away from his position.

Wilcke added to ISU women's wrestling staff

Iowa State has added Cash Wilcke to its women's wrestling staff as director of operations and assistant coach, head coach Alli St. John announced Tuesday. Wilcke arrives in Ames after three seasons as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's programs at William Penn.

Lusk named first head women's wrestling coach at Fairmont State

Fairmont State University has announced the hiring of Sami Lusk as the first head coach in the history of its newly established women's wrestling program.

Wilberforce adds men’s women's wrestling, only NAIA HBCU

Wilberforce University will add men's and women's wrestling to its athletic offerings beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. With the addition of wrestling, Wilberforce will become the only NAIA HBCU to sponsor the sport.

Two-time NJCAA national champ Fletcher commits to Lindsey Wilson

Two-time NJCAA national champion Ayana Fletcher is headed to the NAIA, committing to Lindsey Wilson University after a standout career at Iowa Western Community College. Fletcher finished the season as The Open Mat's No. 3 pound-for-pound wrestler in NJCAA women's wrestling.

Mesenbrink named NCAA Division I Wrestler of the Year

Mitchell Mesenbrink of Penn State has been named the 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat after completing a dominant season. Mesenbrink capped his undefeated junior campaign by winning his second straight NCAA title at 165 pounds and helping Penn State secure its fifth consecutive NCAA team championship.

Sanderson announced as NCAA Division I Coach of the Year

Cael Sanderson has been announced as the 2026 NCAA Division I Coach of the Year by The Open Mat after leading Penn State to another historic season. The Nittany Lions captured their fifth straight NCAA team title in dominant fashion, breaking their own scoring record.

Forrest honored as NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year

Jax Forrest of Oklahoma State has been named the 2026 NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year by The Open Mat after winning a national title in his debut season. He finished the season with a perfect 18-0 record.

Iowa State adds NAIA All-American Craft

The Iowa State women's wrestling program has added its third commitment in a matter of days, continuing a strong early push in building its roster. Campbellsville transfer Makennah Craft, an NAIA All-American as a freshman, announced that she will join the Cyclones.

NAIA All-American Lachinsky commits to Life U

Grace Lachinsky will continue her collegiate wrestling career at Life University after a standout season at Lindsey Wilson, highlighted by an All-America finish.

Welker named NCAA Women's Wrestler of the Year

Iowa's Kylie Welker has been named the 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat after another dominant season. Welker, a two-time senior world bronze medalist, capped an undefeated 2025–26 campaign by winning the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling national championship at 180 pounds. It was her third straight collegiate national title.

McCall named head wrestling coach at The Citadel

The Citadel has named Tim McCall as its new head wrestling coach following a nationwide search conducted during the offseason.

Purdue signs NJCAA national champ Richens

The Purdue Boilermakers have added a key piece to their roster with the signing of junior college standout Austin Richens. Richens arrives in West Lafayette following a dominant two-year run at Northwest College, where he capped his sophomore campaign by winning the 2026 NJCAA national title at 285 pounds.

Garcia named NCAA Women's Coach of the Year

Alexio Garcia has been named the 2026 NCAA Women's Coach of the Year by The Open Mat after leading McKendree to a historic 2025–26 season. Garcia guided the Bearcats to the inaugural NCAA women's wrestling national championship.

Chander named men's head coach at Utica

Pankil Chander has been named head coach of the Utica University men's wrestling program, becoming just the third head coach in program history and ushering in a new era for the Pioneers.

Iowa State adds Olympian, two-time NAIA champ Ogunsanya

Olympian and William Penn standout Christianah Ogunsanya has committed to Iowa State, giving the Cyclones another major addition as the program continues to build its inaugural roster.

Iowa coach Chun signs contract extension through 2031

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Iowa coach Chun signs contract extension through 2031