Zach Tanelli, the head coach of Columbia University in New York City, wrote an open letter announcing the school’s commitment to providing opportunities for female wrestlers:
USA Wrestling Community,
At Columbia University, we are committed to providing opportunities for all people, including women, through the sport of wrestling. Women are the future of our sport and we, at Columbia, are striving to become the first Ivy league school to sponsor women’s wrestling at the Division I level.
We have multiple avenues already in place that are designed to support collegiate women in their athletic journey: the New York City Regional Training Center (NYC RTC), the Columbia University Women’s Wrestling Club Team, and/or joining the Columbia Wrestling team roster.
We currently have four undergraduate women enrolled at Columbia who train directly with our program. These women have elected to not sacrifice their academic potential to achieve their athletic dreams, but instead to have the best of both worlds.
We are actively recruiting trailblazers, open to an alternative path, who aspire to earn an Ivy league degree and also win National, World and Olympic titles.
I am inspired to transform the landscape of collegiate wrestling to be more inclusive for women to achieve at the highest levels, both athletically and academically. I invite you to use me as a resource to help guide as many young women as possible to join our family at Columbia University.
Together,
Zach Tanelli
Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling Columbia University
Dodge Fitness Center • 3030 Broadway • Mail Code 1934 • New York • NY • 10027 • 212-854-3435
