After a historic inaugural campaign, the awards continue to mount for the Iowa women’s wrestling team.
On April 20, head coach Clarissa Chung was named USA Women’s Wrestling Coach of the Year. The announcement was made by the organization during the 2024 Olympic Trials held in State College, Pennsylvania.
This is Chong’s second time winning the NCWWC Women’s Wrestling Coach of the Year award, having previously won the NCWWC Women’s Wrestling Coach of the Year award on March 9 after leading the Hawkeyes to a national championship.
It’s been a great season for Chun and the Iowa women’s wrestling program. The Hawkeyes had a perfect 16-0 record in dual matches, winning the NCWC National Duals title and sweeping the individual and team titles at the NCWWC National Championships. On the individual side, Iowa State has produced six of her national champions and 12 national champions.
The Hawkeyes held two dual meets inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena in front of record-breaking crowds. More than 8,000 people participated in the Trailblazer Duals on Nov. 12, which is believed to be a world record for a women’s wrestling tournament.
Last weekend, nine Hawkeyes competed in the 2024 Olympic Trials, with three earning podium finishes. Felicity Taylor placed third in the 53kg weight class, Reece Larramendi placed fourth in the 68kg weight class, and Kylie Welker placed third in the 76kg weight class. Taylor and Welker finished in the top three and earned spots on the national team.
