Heart to Add Three Women's Wrestling Programs

January 17, 2025

The Heart of America Athletic Conference proudly announces the addition of three new programs that will compete in women's wrestling in the conference.

Full member Graceland University announced that it will be adding women's wrestling in the 2025-26 academic year.

Bismarck State (N.D.) will be joining the NAIA in its first year in 2025-26 and will be competing in the Heart in 2025-26 in women's wrestling, while Bellevue (Neb.) will be adding the sport of women's wrestling and will join the Heart in 2026-27.

The inclusion the three new schools enriches the conference's women's wrestling membership, bringing the total number of members to ten:

Baker University
Bellevue University (Neb.)
Bismarck State College (N.D.)
Central Methodist University
Dickinson State (N.D.)
Graceland
Grand View
Missouri Valley
William Penn
William Woods

"We are thrilled to welcome Bismarck State College and Bellevue University to the Heart of America Athletic Conference as affiliate members in women's wrestling," said Heart Commissioner, Nik Rule. "Supporting Bismarck State, a new NAIA member, as they begin their journey in the association is truly exciting, and adding Bellevue, a storied and respected NAIA institution, reflects the strength of our conference. Additionally, we are equally pleased that Graceland University, a founding member of the Heart, has added women's wrestling. The opportunity to grow this sport with institutions new and historic to our conference is a testament to the momentum and commitment we share in elevating the student-athlete experience on and off the mat."