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Otero College to Launch Women’s Wrestling in Fall 2026 as the 2nd Colorado Community College to Offer the Sport
Description: Otero College will launch a Women’s Wrestling program in Fall 2026, led by coach Brandon Coates. The Rattlers will compete in the NJCAA and join a growing number of colleges adding the sport. Scholarships are available, and the team expects to begin with more than 15 athletes.
Otero College to offer Women's Wrestling in Fall 2026
By Stephen Mathews
Otero College is excited to announce the launch of a new Women's Wrestling program, with competitions beginning in the Fall of 2026. The team will be coached by Brandon Coates, who has already begun the recruitment process. According to coach Coates, Otero is anticipating starting the season with more than fifteen women on the roster.
The Rattlers will participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and face off against other community colleges. Women's wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in college athletics, with the NJCAA set to host its Women's Wrestling Invitational Championship in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this spring. The Rattlers will become the 3rd Region 9 member to offer the sport, and the 2nd among Colorado community colleges.
Scholarships are available for the program. Female students interested in wrestling at Otero can submit their interest here: https://www.
For more information and updates on the women's wrestling program, email brandon.coates@otero.edu
