Central College is adding women’s wrestling as its 21st intercollegiate sport. Athletics director Eric Van Kley also announced that the college has named former Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association and NAIA national champion Paige Baynes as head coach. The Dutch will launch the program with a limited schedule in 2023-24.

“The time is right,” said Van Kley, who also serves as Central’s head wrestling coach and is a former chair of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Committee as well as past president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. “Interest in girls’ high school wrestling is exploding and we’re certainly seeing that in Iowa.

“We want to be at the forefront in helping grow the sport and helping offer our student-athletes more opportunities to compete, but we also want to make sure we’re fully prepared to provide them the kind of meaningful experience they deserve. With the vision that president Mark Putnam and our administration have for the program, the commitment the college is making and an energetic head coach like Paige Baynes in place, we’re excited to move forward.”

Baynes was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the 2017-18 WCWA national tournament when she captured the national title at 191 pounds while competing for Grays Harbor College (Wash.). She was a three-time WCWA All-America honoree.