Full Breakdown
Iowa State University Launches Women's Wrestling Program with Alli St. John as Head Coach
4/17/2026, 8:52:45 AM
Historic Announcement and Program Details
On April 16, 2026, Iowa State University (ISU) announced the creation of its women's wrestling program, set to begin competition in the 2027-28 academic year. The program will offer 10 scholarships and field a 30-member roster for its inaugural season. Alli St. John, a two-time World Wrestling Championships silver medalist, has been appointed as the first head coach. ISU Endowed Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "This is a great day for wrestling in the state of Iowa and at Iowa State University."
Alli St. John's Background and Experience
Alli St. John, born June 16, 1992, in Carbondale, Illinois, began wrestling at age five and later excelled at Carbondale High School. She attended King University in Tennessee, where she became a two-time women's college national champion. St. John has an extensive competitive background, representing Team USA on six Senior World Teams during her decade-long career. She earned silver medals in the women's freestyle 60 kg category at the 2016 and 2017 World Wrestling Championships.
Before her appointment at ISU, St. John served as the women's coach for the Big Game Wrestling Club and as an assistant coach for Grand View College's women's wrestling program. She also worked as the director of donor relations for the Cyclone Regional Training Center. St. John holds a master's degree in Sports Management from Grand View, which she obtained in 2022.
Vision for the Program
St. John expressed her excitement about leading the new program, stating, "This is a historic moment not only for Iowa State University, but for the sport of wrestling, too." She aims to build a championship program that produces NCAA, World, and Olympic champions. Pollard praised St. John as a role model for young girls, highlighting her credentials and experience in making a positive impact through wrestling.
Broader Implications and Community Response
The establishment of ISU's women's wrestling program is part of a broader trend in Iowa, where girls' wrestling has seen significant growth. Currently, Iowa is home to over 200 high school girls wrestling programs, with participation numbers rapidly increasing. The addition of a Division I program at ISU is expected to further fuel interest in the sport, providing more opportunities for female athletes.
High school wrestlers have expressed enthusiasm about the new program, viewing it as a chance to compete at a higher level and gain recognition in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Cassidy McCallister, a state champion, noted the camaraderie among female wrestlers, stating, "We're friends outside of this, so we go through everything together."
Official Statements and Responses
Pollard remarked on the importance of the new program, saying, "Iowa State enjoys a rich wrestling tradition, and we believe the addition of women's wrestling will afford tremendous opportunities for young women." Kevin Dresser, the former head coach of the men's wrestling team, has been promoted to director of wrestling for both programs, while Brent Metcalf has been named the new head coach for the men's team.
What's Next
As the Iowa State women's wrestling program prepares for its debut in 2027-28, St. John will focus on building a competitive roster and establishing a strong foundation for the future of women's wrestling at ISU. The program's success will be closely watched as it aims to contribute to the growing landscape of women's wrestling in the United States.
