TIFFIN -- After an extensive search, Heidelberg University's 24th varsity sport has its first head coach. On Wednesday, Athletic Director Greg Cooper named CarrieAnn Randolph head coach of the women's wrestling program.
Randolph, a graduate of Pacific University, comes to Heidelberg after serving as the head women's assistant coach at Wartburg College.
"I am excited to welcome CarrieAnn to the Berg. When trying to find the right leader of a new, emerging program, her combination of competitive and coaching experience is exactly what we need to get this program started," said Cooper. "CarrieAnn is passionate about empowering young women through the sport of wrestling. She places a large emphasis on relationship building, which is vital to the recruiting process and the entire student experience."
Prior to her time at Wartburg, Randolph had stints at North Iowa Area Community College and Waldorf University.
"Becoming the head coach of a program is something I have dreamt of and worked toward for many years, and it's surreal to receive an opportunity like this," said Randolph, who holds USA Wrestling Bronze and Teal certifications. "I want to extend my appreciation to President Rob Huntington and Athletic Director Greg Cooper for their faith in me."
Women's wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports at the high school level. Data from the National Federation of State High School Associations for the 2022-23 school year showed a 58% year-over-year participation increase in girls wrestling. That same year, the first year as a sanctioned sport by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, Ohio had 4,380 girls participating -- trailing only California and Texas.
"The decision to add a new sport is not something we take lightly. We want to find something that is both growing and exciting to the next generation of students," said Cooper. "I believe CarrieAnn's vision and network across the entire country are well suited to set this program up for success on day one."
Randolph will spend the 2024-25 year building a roster in preparation for the first full year of competition in 2025-26.
"Heidelberg has great resources and is an environment where I believe girls can reach their full potential," said Randolph, who participated in an international wrestling exchange program in 2023 that took her to Mongolia. "I am looking for wrestlers who want to be great and who value integrity, hard work, and excellence."
Randolph starts at Heidelberg on August 1. Individuals interested in being recruited for the team can reach out to wwrestling [at] heidelberg.edu for more information.
Photo courtesy of Wartburg Athletic Communications