This FAQ is designed to help prospective student-athletes, and their families learn more about Kent State’s Women’s Wrestling program—its timeline, resources, and what the student-athlete experience will look like as we prepare for our first season in 2027–28.
Prospective student-athletes interested in joining the Women’s Wrestling team should complete this questionnaire here: https://questionnaires.armssoftware.com/894c24a9b990
Why is Kent State adding women’s wrestling?
The NCAA announced women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport in January 2025, with the first National Championship set to take place March 2026.Â
Women’s wrestling is expanding rapidly nationwide at both the high school and intercollegiate level, making now an ideal time to expand Kent State Universities programs with Women’s Wrestling. Additionally, 507 of Ohio High Schools are sponsoring girls’ wrestling and 2,535 girls are competing statewide. Adding Women’s Wrestling supports gender equity, and aligns with broader university and athletics strategic priorities.Â
When will the program officially begin competition?
The Women’s Wrestling program will begin its first competitive season in the 2027–2028 academic year, with recruitment and enrollment slated to begin once a head coach is named.
When will a Head Coach be hired?
A hiring committee will conduct a national search for the first Kent State University Head Women’s Wrestling Coach during the Spring 2026 semester, with an anticipated announcement by Summer 2026.Â
When will the program begin recruiting?
Recruiting will begin immediately after the head coach is hired with the first official team beginning in academic year 2027-28.Â
What style of wrestling will the program compete in?
NCAA collegiate Women’s Wrestling follows freestyle rules, the Olympic style used globally. Women’s wrestling differs from collegiate Men’s Wrestling which follows folkstyle rules.
How big will the roster be?
The Women’s Wrestling roster will be capped at 30 student-athletes as required by NCAA roster regulations.
Will scholarships be offered?
Yes. Women’s wrestling is an NCAA equivalency sport, allowing partial or full athletic scholarships as determined by the Head Coach. Women’s Wrestling student-athletes, like all students at Kent State have access to various financial aid resources which can be reviewed here: KSU Student Financial Aid.
What are Kent State University Admission Requirements?
Kent State University admission requirements, along with important deadlines, and steps for applying can be found here:Â KSU Admissions
Kent State offers a number of exciting majors across an array of field. All Majors Degree programs offered at Kent State can be found here:Â KSU Programs
What does it cost to attend Kent State University?
Student bills are generally made up from several elements such as tuition and fees, housing, and dining. What a student owes is the total of those charges based on the students individual situation, less any scholarships. An estimated breakdown of the various elements can be found here:Â KSU Tuition and Other Costs at a Glance
Where will the team train and practice?
Practices will take place in the Kent State Wrestling training room located in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MAC Center) Annex. The Wrestling training room was recently updated in Fall 2025 with new Resilite mats, and facility updates will continue to occur during the 2026–27 academic year.Â
In addition to training facilities, Women’s Wrestling student-athletes will receive the same sports medicine, academic support, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and leadership development resources as all varsity programs.
What academic support will Women’s Wrestling Student-Athletes receive?
All student-athletes have access to dedicated academic advisors who ensure they are meeting NCAA eligibility and on track to graduate, in addition to tutoring, study hall resources.Â
Kent State Athletics features the Jenkins Student-Athlete Academic Center, a 5,000-square foot facility, with the capability of assisting over 100 student-athletes at a time with their academic needs.Â
Who should prospective student-athletes contact if they have questions?
Questions may be directed to Associate Athletic Director for Compliance, and Wrestling Sport Administrator, Phil Tizio at ptizio@kent.edu
Additionally, interested individuals are encouraged to complete the questionnaire link at the top of the page.Â
Where can I follow program updates?
Updates will be posted on the official Kent State athletics website and social media channels.
