Your guide to women’s college wrestling recruiting
Whether you’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.
Women’s Wrestling is Now a Championship Sport
On January 17, 2025, women’s wrestling officially became the NCAA’s 91st championship sport, with the first NCAA championship set for March 6-7, 2026. This designation allows the NCAA to host a women’s wrestling national championship beginning in 2026, with athletes from Divisions I, II and III competing for an official title.
Before earning championship status, women’s wrestling was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in 2020, helping accelerate growth nationwide. Now there are 112 NCAA schools sponsoring women’s wrestling with over 1,200 women currently competing.
How the recruiting process works for women’s wrestling
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:
- Academic information
- Wrestling experience (and other sports if applicable)
- Why you’re interested in their program
- Your highlight video
How many scholarships are available for women’s wrestling?
For women’s wrestling specifically: the roster limit is 30, so a fully funded program could award scholarships to up to 30 athletes.
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.
Learn more about NCAA scholarship and roster limits.
Women’s college wrestling recruiting rules
Women’s wrestling is now an NCAA championship sport, and recruiting guidance may continue to evolve as the championship era begins.
For now, athletes can continue to reach out to college coaches at any time, and coaches may respond.
The Women’s 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.
Stay proactive, and always confirm the latest with each program’s coaching staff and compliance office.
What college coaches are looking for
Women’s collegiate wrestling is growing rapidly, and schools are filling their rosters with athletes who come from a wide range of backgrounds.
Some recruits will have had the opportunity to wrestle in girls’ state wrestling championships, unofficial girls’ state tournaments, or girls’ wrestling camps.
Other recruits may have gained experience from boys’ wrestling teams or other sports. Fortunately, there are programs for every experience level.
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:
- A national girls high school ranking
- State tournament qualification
- Regional tournament placement
- Wrestling camp experience
- High school wrestling team experience
- Other sports experience
WCWA freestyle weight classes (lbs)
- 103, 110, 117, 124, 131, 138, 145, 160, 180, 207
How to get noticed by coaches
With over 75 NCAA women’s wrestling programs and more launching each year, coaches are actively building rosters. Stand out by:
- Creating/maintaining your recruiting Profile
- Emailing college coaches to express interest
- Competing in camps and tournaments
- Building a strong highlight video
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 NCAA eligibility to keep all your options open.
Don’t have an NCSA recruiting profile? Create yours today!
Wrestling recruiting video guidelines
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.
How to film:
- Include 2–3 matches (ideally vs. strong opponents)
- Show neutral, top, and bottom
- Add summer matches if you have them
- Keep the camera steady on your own device
- Capture between-round resets and body language
- Don’t zoom too tight; keep wrestler/opponent/ref in frame
- Show the scoreboard when possible
Women’s wrestling camps and tournaments
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.
Find women’s wrestling camps and tournaments.
Colleges with women’s wrestling
With NCAA championship status now in place, women’s college wrestling continues to expand across divisions. Start by identifying which schools sponsor the sport and building a target list of programs.
Search for women’s wrestling colleges.
NCSA Women’s Wrestling Reviews From Parents And Athletes
“It showed me there is more options for women’s wrestling in college and gave me more details about each college. It also helped with getting coaches contacts.” – Student-Athlete, Class of 2024
“NCSA has been very helpful with the entire recruiting process” – NCSA Student-Athlete, Class of 2025