Incredible victories have marked the career of an Iowa wrestler. He won the NCAA title in 2018, 2019, and 2021. What made Coach Terry Brands choose him for the team? Was it sheer skill, or was there something more to it? What was the reason behind the decision that shaped an iconic career, despite the setbacks along the way?

Spencer Lee, an Iowa wrestler, won the Pan American in 2024, which enhanced his impressive accomplishment of U17 and U20 world championships with two US National titles and three age-group world championships. With three NCAA Division I national titles, he secured wins within the folkstyle discipline and completed two Dan Hodge Trophies. This guy is truly great!

Chael Sonnen posted a video on YouTube interacting with the duo. “Caleb Young and those guys, and they were older than Spencer, and then you know it was just natural; it was just a natural thing…. He loved the way that we handled him; he loved the intensity, the grind,“ Coach Brands reflected on his decision to bring him as a wrestler in his team. “This guy knew that he needed that, and that’s really ultimately, I think, the reason I’m not going to speak for him, but that’s ultimately the reason why I think he ended up coming to Iowa, because he knew he was going to be held to a standard that nobody else would hold to,” he added.

Spencer Lee is an ideal fit for Iowa’s wrestling program. His strong ability and commitment to their demanding training methods made him a worthy selection. With a breathtaking performance, the 26-year-old proved his dominance during the historic 2020 Penn State victory. The Hawkeyes won 19-17 against Penn State. The Colorado native rapidly proved his dominance by taking down Brandon Meredith after the match started and received near-fall points adding up to four.Moreover, the win was more significant than an ordinary victory because it reclaimed Iowa’s dominance over Penn State.

The U.S. Olympic Trials from 2024 brought Spencer Lee back to claim his top spot for the second time. An utterly joyful moment for Tom Brands as he watched his student triumph over Thomas Gilman. The 26-year-old said, “I feel good, man. I’m ready to go. We know what it takes to be at that level. I got coaches who have been there.” Lee demonstrates his readiness to compete at the world level due to the experience of his coaches.

Spencer Lee’s exceptional journey gained momentum because of his persistent attitude toward the difficulties that he encountered.

Spencer Lee’s emerges stronger than his adversities

Many challenges have interspersed Spencer Lee’s illustrious career. Only a short time before his NCAA Championship in 2021, Spencer experienced a second ACL tear that prevented him from winning a fourth championship. “He’s where he needs to be for the next step, and that’s the most important thing. When you have a chance of takin’ care of business, you’re takin’ care of it. Put yourself in the best position. He did, and he did it on his own… did it in (a) short turnaround,” Tom Brands said. Through each obstacle, Spencer exhibited total determination to rebuild his strength after failures.

Spencer Lee suffered his initial major athletic trauma during high school after tearing his ACL about a decade ago. During his attempt at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic trials, Spencer faced a setback due to knee issues again. The Colorado native faced another defeat at the 2023 NCAA Championships when he failed to defend his win in the championship. The defeat at the hands of Purdue’s Matt Ramos was physically and emotionally painful for Lee. Spencer Lee remained undeterred, notwithstanding many obstacles. His eyes have always been set on greatness.

Did Coach Terry Brands make the right decision by acquiring him for the team as he surmounts all hurdles to establish a remarkable wrestling legacy?