The University of Olivet to Add Women’s Wrestling
Fast-growing sport expands opportunities for female student-athletes and builds on Olivet's wrestling tradition
Olivet, Michigan — The University of Olivet will add women's wrestling this fall, expanding its nationally recognized wrestling tradition and aligning with one of the fastest-growing sports at the collegiate level. Olivet will be among a small but growing group of institutions in Michigan sponsoring women's wrestling.
The program will begin competition as a club sport during the 2026–27 academic year, with plans to transition to NCAA Division III status in 2027–28.
Anthony Jones, Jr., who has served as the University's head assistant men's wrestling coach for the past six years, has been named head coach of the women's program. A former four-year letterwinner at Michigan State University, Jones qualified for the NCAA Championships three times. Benyamin Kamali and Dylan Phelps will serve as assistant coaches for the women's program.
Jones will continue to serve as the head assistant wrestling coach for the men's team, and Brandon Brissette, head men's wrestling coach, will serve as the director of Olivet's men's and women's wrestling program.
The addition reflects Olivet's commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes while building on areas of competitive strength. With relatively few collegiate programs currently offered in Michigan, the University is positioned to meet growing demand in a rapidly expanding sport.
"Women's wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we see a clear opportunity to expand access for student-athletes in Michigan," said Ryan Shockey, vice president and chief operating officer. "At Olivet, it's about opening that door and building on a tradition that already means so much to our campus."
Olivet is exploring future facility enhancements to support the continued growth of its wrestling programs, with additional details to be announced as plans are finalized.
Prospective student-athletes interested in women's wrestling at Olivet are encouraged to complete a recruiting interest form at UOlivet.edu/wrestling_recruit_me.
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About The University of Olivet
Established in 1844, The University of Olivet is dedicated to its academic vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility by providing quality higher education to all, regardless of gender, race or financial means. The University offers a signature relationship-based approach to learning to all students, including residential, online and graduate. www.UOlivet.edu