St. Ambrose University is announcing the addition of a varsity women's wrestling program, building on its legacy of athletic excellence and opportunities for student-athletes. The team will begin official competition in the 2026–27 academic year, with a head coach to be hired during this academic year to lead recruiting, scheduling, and program development.

"As early as four years ago, we saw the tremendous momentum behind girls' wrestling at the high school level, especially in Iowa and Illinois," said Mike Holmes, Director of Athletics at St. Ambrose. "We've had our eye on this opportunity ever since, and we're excited to bring that vision to life for our Ambrosian student-athletes."

The launch of the women's program builds upon the university's strategic facilities plan, which included future expansion when the men's wrestling program was launched in 2021. The current wrestling facility was constructed with dedicated space for a women's team, including locker rooms and office space.

The university is applying for the women's wrestling team to compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, the same conference where the men's wrestling team competes as an affiliate. Adding a women's team expands opportunities for Ambrosian student-athletes and allows St. Ambrose to further engage in conference-level competition and contribute to the rapid national and regional growth of the sport.

"We designed our wrestling facility with this expansion in mind," said Holmes. "We're now in a strong position to recruit and support talented women who want to continue their wrestling careers at the collegiate level right here at St. Ambrose."

The university plans to recruit an initial class of approximately 10 student-athletes, with the goal of growing to 20 wrestlers within four years. The program will offer competitive athletic opportunities paired with St. Ambrose's supportive academic environment and mission-driven approach to student success.

"This is about more than just adding a sport," said President Amy Novak of St. Ambrose University. "It's about reflecting our Catholic values of inclusion, opportunity, and investing in the whole student. These students who are also athletes will be an important part of our community, and we look forward to cheering them on."

The addition of women's wrestling brings to 31 the number of varsity options St. Ambrose offers student-athletes interested in furthering their education while continuing to compete at a high collegiate level. 

Under the direction of head coach Bo Bettinson, the SAU men's wrestling program has sent at least one individual to the NAIA Championships every year.

"Our plan all along was to have women's wrestling," Holmes said. "We wanted to get men's off the ground and operational, and now that the men's program is in a good place, it is time to tap into the passion for wrestling existing in this area and add women's wrestling to our offerings. The program will enjoy a phenomenal facility and a great model from our men's program to get an immediate foothold and flourish."

"The addition of women's wrestling is a great thing for St. Ambrose and the wrestling community as a whole. The growth of women's wrestling is happening so fast, and I'm excited to finally see it come to our campus. St. Ambrose is a great landing spot for any student-athlete, and I can't wait to watch this team compete."

The search for the first head coach for women's wrestling will soon get underway, with recruitment of student-athletes to follow shortly thereafter. Students interested in joining the inaugural women's wrestling team are encouraged to complete the Fighting Bee Recruitment Form, and visit sau.edu for more information on athletics, academic programs and campus life.