{"id":689,"date":"2018-03-22T02:17:59","date_gmt":"2018-03-22T02:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/?page_id=689"},"modified":"2026-01-09T15:33:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T21:33:44","slug":"womens-wrestling","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/womens-wrestling","title":{"rendered":"Women&#8217;s Wrestling Recruiting Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-guide-to-women-s-college-wrestling-recruiting\">Your guide to women&#8217;s college wrestling recruiting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Whether you&#8217;re just getting started or deep into the recruiting process, this guide covers what you need to know to wrestle at the college level-from building your highlight video to understanding what college coaches look for.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women\u2019s Wrestling is Now a Championship Sport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">On <strong>January 17, 2025<\/strong>, women\u2019s wrestling officially became the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncaa.org\/news\/2025\/1\/17\/media-center-ncaa-adds-womens-wrestling-as-91st-championship.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NCAA\u2019s 91st championship sport<\/a>, with the first NCAA championship set for March 6-7, 2026. This designation allows the NCAA to host a women\u2019s wrestling national championship beginning in 2026, with athletes from Divisions I, II and III competing for an official title.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Before earning championship status, women\u2019s wrestling was added to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncaa.org\/sports\/2016\/3\/2\/emerging-sports-for-women.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program<\/a> in 2020, helping accelerate growth nationwide.\u00a0Now there are <strong>112 NCAA schools<\/strong> sponsoring women&#8217;s wrestling with over 1,200 women currently competing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the recruiting process works for women\u2019s wrestling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You can reach out to college coaches at any time. We recommend emailing programs early and asking about eligibility requirements. Include an athletic resume with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Academic information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Wrestling experience (and other sports if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Why you&#8217;re interested in their program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Your highlight video<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many scholarships are available for women&#8217;s wrestling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">For women\u2019s wrestling specifically: the roster limit is <strong>30<\/strong>, so a fully funded program could award scholarships to <strong>up to 30 athletes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Scholarships vary by school (programs decide how many they can fund through their own budgets, fundraising, donations, or endowments. Strong academics can make a big difference, especially as coaches balance limited scholarships dollars with other forms of aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Learn more about <a href=\"\/blog\/ncaa-scholarship-roster-limits-2024\">NCAA scholarship and roster limits<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women\u2019s college wrestling recruiting rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Women\u2019s wrestling is now an NCAA championship sport, and recruiting guidance may continue to evolve as the championship era begins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">For now, athletes can continue to reach out to college coaches at any time, and coaches may respond.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Women\u2019s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA), which previously governed the sport, states that athletes cannot sign a Letter of Intent before September 1 of their senior year of high school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Stay proactive, and always confirm the latest with each program&#8217;s coaching staff and compliance office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What college coaches are looking for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Women\u2019s collegiate wrestling is growing rapidly, and schools are filling their rosters with athletes who come from a wide range of backgrounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Some recruits will have had the opportunity to wrestle in girls\u2019 state wrestling championships, unofficial girls\u2019 state tournaments, or girls\u2019 wrestling camps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Other recruits may have gained experience from boys\u2019 wrestling teams or other sports. Fortunately, there are programs for every experience level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">College coaches recruit great students who have a good attitude and solid athletic background. Of course, additional wrestling experience will help you stand out. Coaches look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">A national girls high school ranking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">State tournament qualification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Regional tournament placement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Wrestling camp experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">High school wrestling team experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Other sports experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">WCWA freestyle weight classes (lbs)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">103, 110, 117, 124, 131, 138, 145, 160, 180, 207<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get noticed by coaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">With over 75 NCAA women\u2019s wrestling programs and more launching each year, coaches are actively building rosters. Stand out by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Creating\/maintaining your recruiting Profile\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"\/recruiting\/contacting-college-coaches\/email\">Emailing college<\/a> coaches to express interest&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Competing in camps and tournaments\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Building a strong highlight video\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Academics also play a big role in the recruiting process. Coaches are looking for well-rounded athletes who perform in the classroom and on the mat. Be sure to stay up to date on <a href=\"\/how-do-you-get-recruited\/college-recruit\/ncaa-eligibility-center-clearinghouse-registration-login\">NCAA eligibility<\/a> to keep all your options open.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Don\u2019t have an NCSA recruiting profile? <a data-lead-button-type=\"standard\" data-lead-cta-location=\"Lead Form Link\" class=\"lead-link\">Create yours today<\/a>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrestling recruiting video guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">A great highlight video helps coaches evaluate you quickly. Aim to show a mix of takedowns, escapes, pins, reversals, and throws. Include full match context when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>How to film:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Include 2\u20133 matches (ideally vs. strong opponents)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Show neutral, top, and bottom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Add summer matches if you have them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Keep the camera steady on your own device<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Capture between-round resets and body language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Don\u2019t zoom too tight; keep wrestler\/opponent\/ref in frame<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Show the scoreboard when possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women&#8217;s wrestling camps and tournaments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Camps and tournaments help you build skills and experience (and can also boost your recruiting exposure). Always double-check dates and details since offerings can change year to year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong><a href=\"\/womens-wrestling\/camps\">Find women&#8217;s wrestling camps and tournaments<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usawmembership.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/USAW-Ad_2.png\" alt=\"NCSA Partners with USA Wrestling\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Colleges with women&#8217;s wrestling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">With NCAA championship status now in place, women\u2019s college wrestling continues to expand across divisions. Start by identifying which schools sponsor the sport and building a target list of programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"\/womens-wrestling\/colleges\">Search for women&#8217;s wrestling colleges<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NCSA Women&#8217;s Wrestling Reviews From Parents And Athletes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"\">&#8220;It showed me there is more options for women&#8217;s wrestling in college and gave me more details about each college. It also helped with getting coaches contacts.&#8221; &#8211; Student-Athlete, Class of 2024<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"\">&#8220;NCSA has been very helpful with the entire recruiting process&#8221; &#8211; NCSA Student-Athlete, Class of 2025<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your guide to women&#8217;s college wrestling recruiting Whether you&#8217;re just getting started or deep into the recruiting process, this guide covers what you need to know to wrestle at the college level-from building your highlight video to understanding what college coaches look for.\u00a0 Women\u2019s Wrestling is Now a Championship Sport On January 17, 2025, women\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1508,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"sidebar-hero","meta":{"tracking_event":"21222","ncsa_post_menu":7213,"ncsa_post_menu_title":"Women's Wrestling","ncsa_ch_large_screen_images":[{"id":99016,"url":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/womens-college-wrestling-guide.jpg"}],"ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_type":"","ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_url":"","ncsa_ch_inner_blocks":"<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":1,\"placeholder\":\"H1 text...\",\"style\":{\"elements\":{\"link\":{\"color\":{\"text\":\"var:preset|color|white\"}}},\"spacing\":{\"margin\":{\"bottom\":\"var:preset|spacing|15-x\"}}},\"textColor\":\"white\",\"fontSize\":\"xlsix\"} -->\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xlsix-font-size\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--15-x)\">Women\u2019s Wrestling Recruiting Guide<\/h1>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->","ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_url_webm":"","ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_id":0,"ncsa_ch_large_screen_video_id_webm":0,"ncsa_ch_small_screen_image":{"id":171844,"url":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/womens-wrestling.jpg","focalPoint":{"x":0.5,"y":0.5}},"ncsa_ch_use_optimal_image_sizes":false,"ncsa_breadcrumbs":[{"label":"Women's Wrestling","postId":null,"postType":null}],"ncsa_breadcrumbs_schema_only":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"content_category":[527],"class_list":["post-689","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","content_category-sports-hq"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=689"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/689\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"content_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ncsasports.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_category?post=689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}