NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University proudly announces the addition of women’s wrestling to its roster of varsity sports, positioning itself as the first senior military college or federal service academy to take this significant step. “This important milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for all students to compete at the highest levels,” stated LtGen John Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret), the 25th president of Norwich.
Women’s wrestling is rapidly rising as one of the most popular high school sports across the nation, sanctioned in 45 states. The NCAA has recognized it as an emerging sport at the collegiate level, with plans for it to achieve championship status as early as 2026. Recently, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics voted to recommend the introduction of a national collegiate wrestling championship.
“The addition of women’s wrestling to our athletic department is a thrilling development. This sport aligns perfectly with Norwich’s values, and we are eager to recruit talented young women who exemplify our ‘I Will Try’ motto both on the mat and in their academic and military endeavors,” shared Ed Hockenbury, the Athletic Director at Norwich University.
The women’s wrestling program will be the 10th women’s sport at the university, launching in the 2025-26 academic year. This expansion brings the total number of athletic teams at Norwich to 23, consisting of 12 men’s teams, 10 women’s teams, and one coed team. Women’s wrestling marks the first new addition since 2022, when men’s golf and coed rifle returned to varsity status.
Coach Connor Keating has been appointed as the inaugural head coach for the women’s wrestling program. “Connor has significantly contributed to our department as both an assistant wrestling coach and assistant women’s rugby coach since 2013. We are excited to see him develop this new program,” said Hockenbury.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to LtGen Broadmeadow, Ed Hockenbury, Alex Whitney, and all the members of the wrestling community who supported the establishment of a varsity women’s wrestling program at Norwich,” stated Keating. “Wrestling has shaped my life, and my time competing at Norwich was transformative.”
Keating had a storied wrestling career at Norwich, serving as team captain and earning recognition as the Most Valuable Player during his senior year. He was a two-time All-New England Honoree, a Scholar All-American, and a finalist in the 2009 All-Academy Championships. After achieving a program record of 44 victories, he went on to compete internationally, winning the 2013 George Kalchev International Invitation in Varna, Bulgaria, becoming a Senior All-American at the 2014 U.S. Open, and earning recognition as a Masters Finalist three years later.
As a coach, Keating has successfully guided multiple wrestlers at the NCAA Northeast Regional Competition. Highlights of his coaching tenure include Mason Sprinkel ’24 and Thoren Berg ’25, who both earned All-Conference Honorable Mentions. Sprinkel also set a new single-season record for pins with 26, leading the nation.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to help bring this incredible sport to a demographic that has been long underrepresented,” said Keating. “This program transcends wrestling; it is about creating opportunities for young women who reflect the resilience, discipline, and determination essential to successful wrestlers and Norwich students alike. I firmly believe that the young women who excel on the mat will equally thrive in the challenging and unique environment offered by Norwich.”
