The news of Sarah Hildebrandt retiring may be heartbreaking for wrestling fans, but it has become a catalyst for a new chapter in her career. And this one can help reshape the future of women’s wrestling in the United States. Hildebrandt will be stepping up into the coaching role, bringing her passion and expertise to the next generation. With an Olympic gold medal from the 2024 Paris Games, a bronze from the 2020 Olympics, and four World Championship medals, Hildebrandt has left behind a huge legacy. Now her focus only remains on building future champions and making Team USA dominate women’s wrestling.

Hildebrandt is joining the USA Wrestling National team department as a part of the National Women’s coaching staff. She will be working under National Women’s Coach Terry Steiner and alongside National Women’s Developmental Coach Jessica Medina Bunker. The four-time World Championships winner will be based in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. A celebrated wrestler in her own right, Hildebrandt was named USA Wrestling Women’s Wrestler of the Year in 2018 and received the Wrestle Like A Girl Afsoon Courage Award in 2024.

USA Wrestling shared the announcement of Hildebrandt’s appointment over-enthusiastically by posting on their official social media “X” account on February 14. It captioned, “USA Wrestling is thrilled to announce Olympic champion Sarah Hildebrandt as the new National Women’s Freestyle Assistant & Resident Coach! Her exceptional experience and passion will undoubtedly inspire and elevate our athletes to new heights. Welcome to the team, Sarah!! ❤️” In her new role, Hildebrandt will be instrumental in training the U.S. Senior National Team athletes and resident wrestlers at the Olympic training center. She will also coach the American team in international competitions, bringing her ample experience to the global stage.

Sarah Hildebrandt will be joining the coaching ranks at an exciting time for women’s wrestling in the United States. Over the past decade, opportunities for female athletes have skyrocketed, with 46 states now sanctioning high school girls’ wrestling. Collegiate women’s wrestling is also thriving, with nearly 200 programs spread across NCA, NAIA, and NJCAA divisions. With the LA 2028 Olympics approaching, Hildebrandt’s leadership will be critical in preparing the next generation of U.S. wrestlers to deliver another standout Olympic performance. As a master technician, Hildebrandt’s dominant par terre offense earned her a worldwide name and matches in her favor. Now she hopes to instill the same prowess in the upcoming athletes.

Beyond the mat, Hildebrandt has been a passionate advocate for women’s wrestling, and she frequently advocates for it and engages in speaking arrangements to inspire young athletes. “If I can just bring a passion and energy in support that can help somebody on their journey, kind of a door handle to open up their adventure, that is exciting to me. Because this has given me so much as a sport, it truly taught me everything about myself and helped me grow as a woman,” she said during an interview with USA Wrestling.

With Sarah Hildebrandt now in a coaching role after retirement from playing, the future of women’s wrestling in the USA looks brighter than ever, her experience as a world-class competitor, combined with her passion for mentorship, might leave a lasting impact on the next generation of wrestlers. As Team USA sets its sights on LA 2028, Hildebrandt’s influence could be the key for Team USA to achieve new heights in Women’s wrestling.

NCAA adds Women’s Wrestling as its 91st Championship sport

The NCAA officially added women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport, providing a significant new opportunity for female athletes. The decision was approved by Divisions I, II, and III at the Association’s annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, in January. Women’s wrestling now transitions from the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program to a full-fledged national collegiate championship. This will allow players from all three divisions to compete at the highest level. It is scheduled to take place in 2026.

Women’s wrestling has seen sturdy growth in recent years. In 2023-24, there were 76 programs at NCAA schools. It looks like there will be 17 additional programs joining this year. Currently, over 1200 women are competing in NCAA wrestling programs, making it one of the fastest-growing women’s sports in the U.S.A. The national governing body for the sport, USA Wrestling, along with organizations such as Wrestle Like a Girl, has been instrumental in pushing for NCAA championship status.

Further cementing its commitment to women’s wrestling, the NCAA Board of Governors approved $1.7 million in Association-wide funding in April to establish the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships. It has now become the sixth emerging sport to earn NCAA championship status, joining the ranks of other sports.

The addition of women’s wrestling as an NCAA championship sport is a major milestone for the sport and gender equity in collegiate athletics. The NCAA’s decision ensures that women wrestlers now have a clear pathway to compete at the highest levels, reinforcing the momentum behind one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports. As the championship approaches in 2026, it promises to be a transformative year for women’s wrestling.