This fall, Ithaca College became the first institution in the Liberty League to take the next step in expanding women’s sports.

On July 29, the college’s athletics department announced the addition of women’s wrestling to the varsity sport agenda. The team will begin competition in the 2025–26 season and will mark the 14th women’s sport offered on campus.

After conducting a nationwide search, Ryan Ciotoli ’02 was hired Oct. 17 to lead the new program. Ciotoli competed for the college’s men’s wrestling program from 1998–2002 and following his graduation, Ciotoli was an assistant coach for the men’s team. He mentored 10 All-American wrestlers during his five-year tenure with the college before taking his coaching to local club teams in Ithaca.