WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University will serve as one of six regional host sites for a historic first in collegiate athletics — the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships. The NCAA Women's Wrestling Super Region II Championship is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20-21, at the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC), with competition beginning at 9 a.m. each day.
This milestone event follows the NCAA's recent decision to add women's wrestling as its 91st championship sport, a move ratified during the Association's annual convention in January 2025 in Nashville, Tenn. The championship represents a pivotal step forward for women's athletics, expanding opportunities for female student-athletes to compete on the national stage.
Super Region II will bring together 17 programs from across all NCAA divisions, highlighting the sport's rapid growth and the depth of talent in the region.
Super Region II
Division I: Lehigh University
Division II: East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Gannon, Lock Haven, Pitt-Johnstown, West Liberty
Division III: Alvernia, Arcadia, Bethany, Cedar Crest, Delaware Valley, Eastern, Muhlenberg, Penn State Altoona, Ursinus, York
As a host, West Liberty continues its proud tradition of staging major wrestling events. The Hilltoppers have previously hosted the NCAA Division II Men's Super Region Championships in 2002, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2024, along with the 2003 NCAA Regional at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling and the past six Mountain East Conference Championships.
Athletic Director Brad Forshey said the honor of being chosen as a host carries added significance.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to welcome one of the first NCAA Women's Wrestling Regionals to the Hilltop," Forshey said. "West Liberty has a long history of successfully hosting NCAA championships, but this one carries special meaning as it provides a stage for these incredible student-athletes in the inaugural season of women's wrestling as an NCAA championship sport. We're proud to play a role in supporting their journey and making this a memorable student-athlete experience."
Director of Wrestling and head men's wrestling coach Danny Irwin echoed that pride, emphasizing what the event represents for the program and the university community.
"The Hilltop is home for wrestling!" Irwin said. "This is another positive step in our young history to showcase how women's wrestling is a big deal and has a first-class experience here at WLU. It is also a testament to our administration in their dedication to providing a championship environment — for that, we are thankful."
Head women's wrestling coach Troy Bell added that hosting the event provides an exciting opportunity to spotlight the sport's continued growth.
"It is an honor to be able to host the first-ever Women's NCAA Region 2 tournament," Bell said. "I'm excited for our ladies and the home fan base to showcase top wrestling talent from across the region. This is a great opportunity to highlight the hospitality and beautiful campus of West Liberty University."
Details regarding tickets, parking, and event policies will be announced closer to the tournament date.
With history being made, fans can expect high-level competition, passionate performances, and a celebration of progress in women's sports. The Super Region II Championship will not only showcase the determination and skill of the athletes but also underscore West Liberty's commitment to fostering inclusivity, excellence, and opportunity across its athletic programs.
