Delaware State Leads Historic Move as First HBCU to Add Division I Women’s Wrestling

Delaware State University announced a groundbreaking step on Thursday, becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to introduce a Division I women’s wrestling program. This significant move highlights the institution’s commitment to advancing opportunities for women in sports and represents a landmark moment for HBCUs nationwide.

The program, set to debut in the 2025-26 school year, aligns with the anticipated elevation of women’s wrestling from an emerging sport to an official NCAA championship sport. This timing, coupled with the rapid growth of girls’ wrestling as the fastest-growing high school sport in the United States, underscores the importance of Delaware State’s decision.

Jahi Jones, executive director of the HBCU Wrestling Initiative, has been a driving force behind this effort. His organization contributed $1.25 million to support the launch of Delaware State’s program. For Jones, the timing could not have been better.

“I don’t think the timing could have been any better than what it is right now,” Jones said. “Having a full year to get a coach in place, start recruiting, and prepare to compete in that inaugural championship is huge. I can’t even put into words how big this is.”

A Platform for Growth and Inspiration

Delaware State Athletic Director Alecia Shields-Gadson emphasized the broader impact of adding women’s wrestling to the university’s athletic offerings.

“The partnership with HBCU Wrestling gives our women student-athletes a platform to compete, grow, and inspire others,” Shields-Gadson said. “We are excited for this new chapter and the impact it will have for years to come.”

This decision also marks a return to wrestling for Delaware State, which discontinued its men’s program in 2009. Now, the university is championing a new era of inclusion and representation in the sport.

The Role of the HBCU Wrestling Initiative

The HBCU Wrestling Initiative has been pivotal in expanding the presence of wrestling at historically Black institutions. In addition to its support for Delaware State, the organization played a key role in Morgan State University’s reintroduction of men’s wrestling for the 2023-24 school year, providing $2.7 million to help establish the program. Morgan State remains the only HBCU offering Division I men’s wrestling.

Jones hopes these efforts spark a broader movement among HBCUs. While he declined to name specific institutions, he confirmed ongoing discussions with other schools about launching wrestling programs for both men and women.

“We want to create a pathway for more HBCUs to embrace wrestling,” Jones said. “It’s about representation, opportunity, and building a legacy in the sport.”

A National Wrestling Boom

Delaware State’s initiative comes at a time when women’s wrestling is experiencing unprecedented growth and success. The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics has already recommended that Divisions I, II, and III sponsor legislation to establish a women’s wrestling championship, a move that could formalize the sport’s NCAA status. A vote on the matter is scheduled for January, with significant implications for the sport’s future.

Women’s wrestling has also gained momentum on the global stage. At the Paris Summer Olympics, Team USA delivered a historic performance, with Sarah Hildebrandt and Amit Elor winning gold medals. This marked the first time a nation other than Japan secured more than two golds in women’s wrestling since its introduction to the Olympics in 2004. Kennedy Blades added a silver medal, and Helen Maroulis earned bronze, showcasing the rising dominance of American women in the sport.

Expanding Opportunity

Delaware State’s addition of women’s wrestling is more than just a win for the university—it’s a victory for the sport as a whole. By joining this movement, the school is helping to create more opportunities for student-athletes, particularly women of color, to compete at the highest levels.

The program also highlights the potential for HBCUs to serve as leaders in advancing equity and representation in sports. With growing interest and support, initiatives like these are poised to leave a lasting impact on both the collegiate wrestling landscape and the broader athletic community.

As women’s wrestling continues to break barriers and gain recognition, Delaware State’s historic decision stands as a testament to the power of progress and the importance of inclusion in collegiate athletics.