McPherson College adds women’s wrestling program

Another Kansas school is adding women’s wrestling.

McPherson College will add women’s wrestling as its 22nd varsity sport, Director of Athletics Josh Daume announced. The Bulldogs will begin competition in the 2027-28 academic year.

Daume said wrestling was a natural fit as the school looked for ways to expand opportunities for women.

“Adding a women’s wrestling program represents yet another step forward in the growth of our athletics program,” said Daume. “When exploring ways to add opportunities for women on our campus, wrestling was the next logical choice.”

Planning is already underway for a new on-campus facility to house the program. The next step is hiring a head coach to build the Bulldogs’ first roster. Applications can be sent to Daume or submitted online at mcpherson.edu.

“The sport is growing in our Kansas high schools and throughout the region, making it an ideal time to start a program at McPherson College,” said Daume.

McPherson will compete in the joint KCAC/SAC Wrestling Conference alongside fellow Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference members Friends, York, Ottawa, Saint Mary and Avila, as well as several Sooner Athletic Conference schools. The Bulldogs will be stepping into a conference with some established competition. Ottawa is ranked No. 4 in the latest HerMat NAIA dual meet rankings, while Saint Mary is No. 11 and Avila is No. 23.

Women’s wrestling became the NAIA’s 28th national championship sport in 2022. The NAIA crowns champions in 10 weight classes, from 103 pounds to 207 pounds.

McPherson won’t have to travel far for the national tournament. The NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championships have been held at Heartland Credit Union Arena in Park City, Kansas, for the past two years and will return there March 12-13, 2027.