Manheim, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced that Matt Atwood of the University of Providence has been named the 2026 NAIA Women's National Coach of the Year, presented by Defense Soap.
Matt Atwood joined the University of Providence wrestling program in December of 2020 and has quickly elevated the Argos program on the national stage. Under his leadership, Providence has produced 21 All-Americans and a pair of national champions.
During the 2025-26 season, the Argos captured their first Cascade Collegiate Conference championship and crowned seven individual conference champions. Providence finished the regular season ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Coaches Poll and qualified the maximum 12 wrestlers for this weekend's NAIA Women's National Championships.
"Coach Atwood has built a program grounded in professionalism, grit, and high standards," said NWCA Executive Director
Mike Moyer. "His commitment to his student-athletes is reflected in the culture he has established and the success his team continues to achieve."
NAIA Women's National Coach of the Year Finalists
- Mid-South – Devane Dodgens, Lindsey Wilson University
- Heart of America – Jake Kadel, William Penn University
- KCAC/Sooner – Dalton Weidl, Ottawa University
- Cascade – Matt Atwood, University of Providence
- GPAC – Dana Vote, Doane University
