Delaware State University Pioneers First HBCU Division I Women’s Wrestling Program
Delaware State University (DSU) is making history as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to launch a women’s wrestling program at the Division I level. The team recently competed in the inaugural national women’s college wrestling championship, marking a significant milestone for both the university and the sport.1
A Lifelong Passion Realized
Head Coach Kenya Sloan, a former wrestler herself, spearheaded the program’s creation. Sloan began wrestling at age seven, drawn to the sport’s individualistic nature and the direct correlation between effort and results.1 She previously served as an assistant women’s wrestling coach at Sacred Heart University.1
“I started wrestling when I was 7 years old. So I weighed about 60 pounds when I started wrestling. I think I fell in love with the individuality of the sport. I love that you reap what you sow quite literally when it comes to the sport of wrestling,” Sloan said.1
Breaking Barriers and Building a Legacy
The launch of DSU’s program addresses a historical gap in opportunities for Black athletes in women’s wrestling. Jahi Jones, founder of HBCU Wrestling, highlighted the lack of Division I wrestling programs at HBCUs in the past.1 HBCU Wrestling was founded in 2021 with support from donors, including a $6 million initial gift from billionaire investor Mike Novogratz, with matching opportunities available.1 $1.25 million of that funding went towards launching DSU’s women’s wrestling program.
The First Generation of HBCU D1 Women’s Wrestlers
DSU wrestlers Icart Galumette and Louise Juitt are among the first to compete at the national level for an HBCU.1 They emphasize the hard operate, discipline, and continuous learning required in the sport.
“And I just love the hard work that it comes with, the discipline – staying consistent, being consistent throughout the sport. There’s always more to learn. I’m now trying, like, putting together combinations and stuff,” said Galumette.1
Juitt added, “I’m just coming here as a freshman, so I don’t really recognize much, and I’m probably, like, not really giving myself enough kudos or whatever, probably. But I can’t stress it enough that I’m excited to go compete at the national level.”1
A Growing Movement
Sloan notes the excitement surrounding the program’s growth and the opportunity to define what HBCU women’s wrestling looks like.1 Other HBCUs, such as Florida A&M University, are also developing women’s wrestling programs.1