Exciting News: Cleary University Welcomes Women’s Wrestling to Its Athletic Program!

Cleary University is excitingly adding women’s wrestling to its athletics program. The first season kicks off in fall 2026, and the team will compete in the WHAC.

Max Ballinger, the Director of Athletics, shared, “This new opportunity reflects our commitment to giving student-athletes a balanced experience and expanding Cleary’s role in the WHAC and NAIA.”

Women’s sports, particularly wrestling, are gaining traction. Reports show that there are over 50,000 girls participating in high school wrestling across 46 states. This popularity is encouraging more colleges to embrace the sport. Currently, there are more than 140 women’s collegiate wrestling teams in the U.S., with 47 in the NAIA.

“With the momentum building for women’s wrestling, adding this sport just makes sense for Cleary,” Ballinger added.

But it’s not just wrestling! The university is also introducing co-ed competitive dance, set to launch in the 2026-2027 season.

This shift reflects a broader trend in collegiate athletics. From 2000 to 2020, women’s participation in sports increased by over 60%. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, this growth highlights a cultural move toward promoting women’s sports at all levels, making Cleary’s decision timely and relevant.

As social media buzzes with excitement over women’s wrestling, schools nationwide are looking to follow suit, creating even more opportunities for female athletes. It will be interesting to see how these changes shape the athletic landscape in the coming years.

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