The recently established women’s wrestling program at Iowa State has made a major impact on the collegiate scene by securing commitments from two world-class athletes, effectively building its roster with championship-level talent from the outset.
Following the program’s official unveiling in April, the Cyclones have successfully recruited Piper Fowler and Christianah Ogunsanya, both of whom are transferring from William Penn University in Oskaloosa to compete under the guidance of head coach Alli
St. John.
Piper Fowler, originally from Cleveland, Tennessee, holds the distinction of being the very first athlete to pledge her commitment to the Cyclones, announcing her decision on May 16. Fowler’s transition to Iowa State follows an exceptional debut season at William Penn, where she captured an NAIA national title at 180 pounds while competing as a true freshman.
Her wrestling pedigree is extensive; she is a former U17 World Champion and the recipient of numerous national titles. Looking ahead, Fowler is slated to represent the United States on the international stage at the U20 World Championships later this year.
Joining Fowler in this first class is Christianah Ogunsanya, whose commitment was made public on May 20. Ogunsanya brings an elite level of international experience to Ames, having represented Nigeria as an Olympian during the 2024 Paris Games. Her impressive list of accolades includes a bronze medal from the 2025 U23 World Championships and two NAIA national titles, the most recent of which she secured at 117 pounds in 2026.
Her move to Iowa State also facilitates a reunion with assistant coach Jake Kadel, who transitioned from his role as head coach at William Penn to join the Cyclones’ coaching staff.
The acquisition of these two champions marks a monumental milestone for the future of Iowa State women’s wrestling. By attracting an Olympian and multiple world and national titleholders as its inaugural recruits, the program is setting a high bar for excellence right from its inception. These foundational additions not only provide immediate competitive strength but also signal the university’s commitment to building a powerhouse program under the leadership of St. John and her staff.
