By Maggie Nicol ’25

Many women must leave their wrestling careers behind when graduating high school because there are not many collegiate wrestling programs available to them. But Otterbein’s women’s wrestling program is an exciting new option for many high school competitors, and Head Coach Chris Kline is ready to provide growth and success opportunities for the new Cardinal women wrestlers this fall.

Otterbein is the first school in central Ohio to offer a women’s wrestling program, and the sixth in the state. This program is making history and an important step toward increasing equality, expanding opportunities for young women to compete at the college level. Kline hopes to build a winning program and an experience that athletes can treasure for many years. 

Kline attended the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state wrestling tournament in early March, continuing his search for future Cardinals to round out his program and to make athletes aware of what Otterbein has to offer.

“I’m always looking to meet recruits, make new connections, and see who the next up-and-coming talent is. This is what all the athletes have been working towards all season; watching everyone chase their goals is exciting,” Kline said.

Since announcing the program, Kline has visited high schools across Ohio and hosted recruits on campus. “We have been able to bring in over 25% of the senior women wrestlers in the state of Ohio for campus visits,” he said.

“Additionally, Otterbein hosted our first women’s wrestling prospect camp on campus in January and had 37 wrestlers attend,” he added.

Kline hopes the new program will encourage young female wrestlers to consider Otterbein. There is a fast-growing interest in high school girl’s wrestling in central Ohio, and Otterbein is ready to provide the next step for these athletes.

“I believe we can make this a true destination and bring more excitement to the wrestling program,” Kline said.