Takedown Report

How To Choose A Women’s College Wrestling Program

Here is what a high school girl needs to know when selecting a women’s college wrestling program.
Recruiting season is in full swing, and it’s time to make a college decision. Here is what you need to know about picking a women’s college wrestling program. 
What Are My Options?
Many schools offer women’s college wrestling, ranging from NCAA to NAIA to junior college to California junior college. Below is a breakdown of the number of programs in each division. 
NCAA Division I: 10
NCAA Division II:42
NCAA Division III:81
Total NCAA: 133

NAIA:52
NJCAA: 38
CCCAA: 21
Division III does not offer athletic scholarships, whereas the other divisions do. However, it does not mean you aren’t eligible for financial aid. A Division III program might be less expensive if you meet the qualifications. It’s important to ask questions and understand the process.
Several major colleges don’t sponsor women’s college wrestling but have a club program. These colleges won’t compete at the end-of-year championships but typically wrestle in open tournaments. 
The National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) is a folkstyle option with an end-of-season tournament, but this is a guide for colleges that offer women’s wrestling as a varsity sport. 
All three NCAA divisions compete at the NCAA Championships, but that will change during the 2027 season when Division III programs host a separate championship. 
The best resource to get started is thewcwc.com. It provides detailed information about available college programs and coaches. Most college athletic websites have a recruiting form to get started. 
Also, some colleges created a women’s wrestling program and are in transition. That could mean waiting for a year or two for a varsity schedule to begin. 
Know what you want, be open-minded, and take all your visits. 

What Kind Of Team Do You Want To Be A Part Of?
The answer varies for every wrestler, but it’s important to consider when deciding on a college. Every program has a different competitive level, and every coach has a different vision.
Do you want to be part of a big team or a small team?
Do you want to be part of an upstart or established program?
Do you want … more at … https://www.flowrestling.org/articles/12794622-how-to-choose-a-womens-college-wrestling-program?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

July 25, 2026 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | ncaa, sports, writing