INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Davenport University is proud to announce that its Women's Wrestling program will be joining the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. It marks a thrilling step forward in the team's continued progression and women's wrestling becomes the 27th sport to be sponsored by the GLVC.

The inaugural season of GLVC women's wrestling will feature seven institutions, including full-time league members McKendree University, Quincy University, Upper Iowa University, and William Jewell College, as well as associate members Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, and Northern Michigan University. All three institutions are members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and were approved for associate membership in June of 2025.

"The GLVC is pleased to partner with the GLIAC to promote the growth of women's wrestling by sponsoring a regular season championship for the seven schools that sponsor the sport in both leagues," said Jim Naumovich, GLVC Commissioner. "We look forward to the addition of the programs from Davenport, Grand Valley State, and Northern Michigan, that will all compete for the inaugural GLVC Women's Wrestling Championship in 2026."

"This move represents a bold new chapter for our program," said Paul Lowden, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Davenport University. "Joining this new conference gives our student-athletes increased visibility, competitive opportunities, and a platform to showcase the growth of women's wrestling at DU."

Since its inception in 2020-21, Davenport Women's Wrestling has embodied grit, determination, and Panther pride. The transition to a new conference not only elevates the competition level, but also reinforces Davenport's commitment to supporting women in sports and expanding opportunities in one of the fastest-growing collegiate athletic programs in the country. The program is also welcoming new head coach Dominic Damon, who has hired in June of 2025.

The inaugural GLVC Women's Wrestling champion will be determined upon the winning percentage of Conference matches only.

For more information on GLVC women's wrestling, stay tuned online at GLVCsports.com and social media (@GLVCsports; #GLVCwwres) throughout the coming years.