Zak Hensley has been named the first-ever head women's wrestling coach at Iowa Central, the school announced.
Hensley, a former Triton national runner-up under Luke Moffitt, was selected over a field of worthy candidates.
"Our athletic program could not be more excited that former Triton wrestling great Zak Hensley has accepted our head women's wrestling coaching position," said Kevin Twait, Director of Athletics at Iowa Central. "It was evident in the interview process that Zak has a vision for our women's wrestling program that aligns perfectly with the expectations of our athletic program. His passion for the sport of women's wrestling, his love for Iowa Central, and the environment/culture which he will create will be second to none.
"Our young ladies will have an outstanding experience in all three arenas: academic, social, and athletic. He will build championship teams here and create a student-athlete experience that squad members will relish forever."
Women's wrestling will begin at Iowa Central with the 2022-23 school year. The program joins similar ones at the University of Iowa, the NAIA and NCAA Div. III levels fielding women's wrestling program, which was designated an emerging sport by the NCAA in 2020.
Hensley was the runner-up at the NJCAA Championships while competing for Iowa Central in 2017 at 133 pounds. He was a two-time state champion in Kansas, winning 150 matches, and comes back to Iowa Central with over 20 years of wrestling experience.
"Iowa Central has always felt like home," Hensley said. "The culture is fantastic and the support of the administration makes it impossible for the program not to be successful. I love coaching and I love wrestling, and I want to pass my passion and knowledge on to the next generation in the community that means so much to me.
"I can't wait to come home and build something extraordinary."
After competing for the Tritons, Hensley wrestled at the University of Nebraska for two years, winning 18 matches including a pair of titles at the Doane Open and Roger Denker Open.
Hensley began his coaching career after competing with stints at the club, junior high and high school levels.
"It doesn't seem that long ago that Zak was competing for us," Moffitt said. "He is familiar with our program and will have no trouble getting help from our coaches and our incredible administration system when it comes to support.
"He was a fierce competitor and if that carries over into his coaching, I have no doubt that Zak will have them contending right off the bat."
Hensley will also work as a Student Development Assistant with Iowa Central.
"I can't wait to connect with the community and get people excited for Iowa Central women's wrestling," Hensley said. "The long-term goal is to keep building our roster so we have plenty of depth and a competitive practice room.
"Another long-term goal is for multiple national champions and women representing the United States of America in international competition. The sky is the limit for women's wrestling and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity that Iowa Central has bestowed upon me. I cannot wait to get to work."
-By Dana Becker