Modesto Junior College Adds Women’s Wrestling as 22nd Intercollegiate Sport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Modesto Junior College Adds Women's Wrestling as 22nd Intercollegiate Sport

MODESTO, CA – April 30, 2025 – Modesto Junior College (MJC) proudly announces the addition of women's wrestling as the 11th Women's and 22nd total sport in its intercollegiate athletics program. This expansion reflects MJC's commitment to providing equitable athletic opportunities and aligns with the rapid growth of women's wrestling at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Women's wrestling has experienced significant growth nationwide. In the CIF San Joaquin Section, which includes schools from Sacramento to Merced, over 850 female athletes currently participate in high school wrestling programs—a number that has more than doubled over the past five years and almost 8000 participated statewide in 2024. This surge is mirrored at the collegiate level, with the NCAA officially adding women's wrestling as its 91st championship sport in January 2025. The first NCAA Women's Wrestling Championship is scheduled for 2026, and more than 1,200 female athletes are now competing at NCAA institutions, with 45% coming from diverse or international backgrounds.

The NAIA has also seen substantial growth, with over 200 competitors participating in the 2025 NAIA Women's Wrestling National Championship. This expansion at the collegiate level provides increased opportunities for female wrestlers to continue their athletic careers beyond high school.

The demographics of the Central Valley underscore the importance of this addition. The region is home to a richly diverse population, including significant Latino, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities—groups that are historically underrepresented in collegiate athletics. By offering women's wrestling, Modesto Junior College aims to close opportunity gaps, support educational attainment, and promote inclusivity in competitive sports.

"Adding women's wrestling is not just a response to the explosive growth in the sport; it's a commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for the young women of our region," said MJC Athletic Director David Voortman "We want to create a pathway for these talented student-athletes to continue their athletic and academic journeys right here at home."

MJC's program will compete in the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) and the Big 8 Conference, where women's wrestling has been a championship sport since 2023. Jesse Vazquez will be the women's head coach and he will begin recruiting immediately to build a strong inaugural team set to compete in the 2025–2026 academic year.

About Modesto Junior College Founded in 1921, Modesto Junior College is one of the oldest community colleges in California, serving more than 16,000 students annually. MJC offers a wide range of academic programs, career training, and vibrant athletic opportunities designed to meet the diverse needs of its community.