Iowa State lands Olympian, two-time NAIA national champ Kolawole
The Iowa State women's wrestling program added another major piece to its rapidly growing roster, securing a commitment from Olympian and two-time NAIA national champion Esther Kolawole.
Kolawole transfers to Iowa State from William Penn, where she established herself as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in NAIA women's wrestling. The Nigerian standout captured NAIA national titles at 138 pounds in both 2024 and 2025 and was named The Open Mat's 2025 NAIA Women's Wrestler of the Year.
Her success extends beyond the collegiate level. Kolawole represented Nigeria at the 2024 Olympic Games and is a two-time U23 World bronze medalist, giving Iowa State an athlete with elite international credentials as the Cyclones continue building toward their first NCAA season in 2027-28.
Kolawole becomes the latest high-profile addition for head coach Alli St. John, who has assembled one of the most impressive incoming classes in women's college wrestling.
Iowa State previously added NAIA national champions Piper Fowler and Christianah Ogunsanya from William Penn, along with Campbellsville transfer Makennah Craft. The Cyclones have also landed U20 World fifth-place finisher Daniella Nugent from Oklahoma State, four-time Iowa state champion Molly Allen, three-time Illinois state champion Gabriella Gomez, Iowa native Greta Brus and Arizona standout Brooklyn Perez.
The Cyclones recently strengthened their roster further with the addition of McKendree transfer Persaeus Gomez. A former top-20 recruit, Gomez became the first four-time undefeated Colorado girls state champion and owns national-level credentials that include a Fargo Junior Nationals title and a U17 Pan-American championship.
With Kolawole now joining the fold, Iowa State continues to stockpile proven collegiate champions, elite recruits and international-caliber talent as it prepares for NCAA competition.
Kolawole's arrival gives the Cyclones another wrestler with championship pedigree and world-level experience, further solidifying Iowa State's status as one of the fastest-rising programs in women's college wrestling.