ERIE, Pa. — Mercyhurst University is excited to announce the addition of women's wrestling as a Lakers varsity sport, beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.

"Wrestling has deep roots and tremendous popularity in our region, and the growth of women's wrestling nationally has been incredible to watch," said Director of Athletics, Joe Spano. "With Mercyhurst's move to Division I and the NCAA elevating women's wrestling to full championship status, this is the right opportunity at the right time. Adding women's wrestling creates another meaningful pathway for young women to compete at the NCAA Division I level."

The Lakers will compete as a Division I program, making women's wrestling Mercyhurst's 31st varsity sport.

Mercyhurst becomes the seventh Division I institution to add women's wrestling, joining Iowa, Lehigh, Lindenwood, Presbyterian, Sacred Heart, and Delaware State. 

Mercyhurst will be just the second Division I women's wrestling program in Pennsylvania, joining Lehigh, which announced the addition of the sport in May 2025.

"This is an exciting and historic step for Mercyhurst University," said Laura Zirkle, Mercyhurst Vice President for Student Life. "Women's wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation and adding it as a Division I program aligns with our mission to expand opportunities for women while competing at the highest level. Mercyhurst has a long tradition of athletic excellence, and women's wrestling will be a powerful addition to that legacy."

The establishment of the women's wrestling program aligns with the sport's rising prominence nationally. In January 2025, the NCAA officially added women's wrestling as its 91st championship sport, elevating it from Emerging Sport status to full championship status and paving the way for its first national championship in 2026.

A national search for the program's inaugural head coach has begun. Interested applicants should visit https://www.mercyhurst.edu/human-resources/jobs to apply. Current men's wrestling head coach Jimmy Overhiser has been promoted to the Director of Wrestling and has begun recruiting prospective athletes. Interested athletes should visit hurstathletics.com/sports/womens-wrestling to learn more and complete a recruit questionnaire here.

You can follow Mercyhurst women's wrestling on X (Twitter) and Instagram using @hurstwwrestling

Women's wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, particularly in Pennsylvania, where there are more than 100 girls' high school wrestling programs.

The addition of a Division I women's wrestling program at Mercyhurst provides a critical collegiate pathway for talented student-athletes in Pennsylvania and the surrounding region to compete at the highest level.

Team merchandise can be purchased here.