BUENA VISTA, Va. – Southern Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Deidra Dryden has named Jessica Casperson as the first head coach of the Knight's newly-formed women's wrestling team.

"We are excited to have Coach Casperson lead our women's wrestling team," exclaimed Dryden. "She has extensive wrestling and life experience that will help us recruit talented young women to become great student-athletes with a positive team culture."

Casperson, who served as an assistant coach for the Southern Virginia University men's wrestling team during the 2021-22 season, has been pioneering women's wrestling for over 30 years. Her passion for the sport began at an early age, excelling at the high school and collegiate levels. Casperson was a three-time high school All-American before heading to Missouri Valley College, where she was a varsity wrestler. 

"Wrestling has always been a huge part of my life, from competing to coaching," shared Casperson. "I am excited to build Southern Virginia University's women's wrestling program."

Women's wrestling is currently practicing and preparing for competition beginning in the Fall of 2023, including the potential for team members to enter tournaments as individuals this spring.

"The team has momentum starting with eight women wrestlers already on campus," added Casperson. "We invite hard-working wrestlers who are faithful, honest, and kind to join us. As individuals, we will progress to be our best selves, and as a result, we will be a highly competitive, service-driven team on and off the mat," concluded Casperson.

Southern Virginia University is the 35th NCAA Division III institution—and the fourth school in the Commonwealth of Virginia—to add women's wrestling as an intercollegiate-sponsored sport.