In a groundbreaking move, Delaware State University has announced that it will become the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to offer a Division I women’s wrestling program. The decision, which comes with a $1.25 million contribution from the HBCU Wrestling Initiative, positions Delaware State at the forefront of the rapidly growing sport of women’s wrestling.
Timing is Everything
The launch of Delaware State’s women’s wrestling program coincides with two significant milestones in the sport. First, the team is set to begin competing during the 2025-26 school year, which aligns with the anticipated transition of women’s wrestling from an emerging sport to an official NCAA championship sport. Second, girls wrestling has become the fastest-growing high school sport in the United States, creating a surge of talented athletes seeking opportunities at the collegiate level.
Jahi Jones, executive director of the HBCU Wrestling Initiative, emphasized the perfect timing of Delaware State’s announcement:
“I don’t think the timing could have been any better than what it is right now, having a full year to be able to get a coach in place and recruiting girls and being able to go in running — the timing is perfect. And then just being able to be a part of that inaugural championship — it’s huge. I can’t even put into words like how big that is.”
– Jahi Jones, Executive Director, HBCU Wrestling Initiative
A Platform for Growth and Inspiration
Delaware State Athletic Director Alecia Shields-Gadson emphasized the opportunities that adding women’s wrestling will provide for the university’s student-athletes:
“The partnership with HBCU Wrestling gives our women student-athletes a platform to compete, grow, and inspire others. We are excited for this new chapter and the impact it will have for years to come.”
– Alecia Shields-Gadson, Athletic Director, Delaware State University
The addition of women’s wrestling at Delaware State marks a significant step forward for both the sport and HBCU athletics. As the first HBCU to offer the sport at the Division I level, Delaware State has the opportunity to set a powerful example and pave the way for other institutions to follow suit.
Building Momentum in HBCU Wrestling
Delaware State’s announcement comes on the heels of another milestone in HBCU wrestling. In 2023-24, Morgan State University became the only HBCU to offer men’s wrestling at the Division I level, also with significant support from the HBCU Wrestling Initiative. These developments signal a growing interest in wrestling among HBCUs and a desire to provide more opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest levels.
Jones expressed hope that the moves at Morgan State and Delaware State will inspire other HBCUs to add wrestling programs for both men and women. While he declined to name specific institutions, he confirmed that he has been in contact with several schools about the possibility of starting wrestling teams.
Women’s Wrestling on the Rise
The establishment of a women’s wrestling program at Delaware State is part of a larger trend of growth and success in the sport. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the United States women’s wrestling team made history, with Sarah Hildebrandt and Amit Elor winning gold medals. This marked the first time any nation other than Japan won more than two golds in women’s wrestling since the sport was added to the Olympic program in 2004. American wrestlers also earned a silver medal (Kennedy Blades) and a bronze medal (Helen Maroulis), further cementing the United States as a powerhouse in women’s wrestling.
As the sport continues to gain popularity and recognition, the addition of women’s wrestling programs at the collegiate level will be crucial in providing opportunities for athletes to develop their skills and compete at an elite level. Delaware State’s trailblazing move is a significant step in this direction, and the ripple effect it creates could transform the landscape of women’s wrestling in the years to come.
A Bright Future Ahead
With the launch of its women’s wrestling program, Delaware State University has positioned itself as a leader in the sport and in HBCU athletics. The timing of the announcement, coupled with the growing popularity of women’s wrestling and the support of the HBCU Wrestling Initiative, creates a perfect storm of opportunity for the university and its student-athletes.
As the first HBCU to offer women’s wrestling at the Division I level, Delaware State has the chance to set a new standard and inspire other institutions to follow in its footsteps. The impact of this decision will likely be felt far beyond the university’s campus, as it contributes to the ongoing growth and development of women’s wrestling nationwide.
With the sport poised to become an official NCAA championship event and more young women than ever before participating in wrestling at the high school level, the future of women’s college wrestling looks brighter than ever. Delaware State’s bold move into this arena is a testament to the university’s commitment to providing opportunities for its student-athletes and to the power of sport to drive positive change.
