Manheim, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has announced that Joe Norton of North Central College has been named the 2026 NCAA Women's National Coach of the Year, presented by Defense Soap.

Joe Norton has quickly built North Central College into one of the nation's top women's wrestling programs. Introduced as the Cardinals' first head coach in 2018, he launched the program in 2019-20 and has since led North Central to 48 dual wins, 52 All-Americans, 34 NWCA Scholar All-Americans, six individual national titles, and the 2023 team national championship.

During the 2025-26 season, the Cardinals captured the NWCA National Duals title and the inaugural NCAA Regional Championship while qualifying all 10 wrestlers for the NCAA Women's Championships, including five regional champions.

"Coach Norton has built one of the most respected programs in the country through consistency, toughness, and accountability," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "The success of North Central's athletes is a direct reflection of the culture he has established."

NCAA Women's National Coach of the Year Finalists
Super Region 1 COY - Cody Griswold, Elmira College
Super Region 1 Tournament - Paulina Biega, Sacred Heart University
Super Region 2 COY - Brazel Marquez, Lehigh University
Super Region 2 Tournament - Troy Bell, West Liberty University
Super Region 3 COY - Brian Vutianitis, Presbyterian College
Super Region 3 Tournament - Bryce Killian, Emmanuel University
Super Region 4 COY - Joe Norton, North Central College
Super Region 4 Tournament - Jake Short, Grand Valley State University
Super Region 5 COY - Brady Kyner, Wartburg College
Super Region 5 Tournament - Clarissa Chun, University of Iowa
Super Region 6 COY - Alexio Garcia, McKendree University
Super Region 6 Tournament - Justin Abdou, Simon Fraser University