DALLAS, Texas — July 24, 2026 — The National Collegiate Wrestling Association is proud to announce the appointment of Leigh Jaynes as its new National Women's Director.

Jaynes brings to the position an exceptional combination of international wrestling achievement, military leadership, collegiate coaching experience and a lifelong commitment to expanding opportunities for women through the sport of wrestling.

A three-time U.S. World Team member, Jaynes represented the United States at the World Wrestling Championships in 2007, 2012 and 2015. She earned a bronze medal in women's freestyle at the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas, establishing herself among the world's elite competitors.

Jaynes also served in the United States Army, rising to the rank of captain and competing through the Army's World Class Athlete Program. Her military career included service as a combat medic and Medical Service Corps officer, experiences that helped shape the discipline, resilience and leadership she has carried throughout her wrestling and coaching careers.

"Leigh Jaynes represents everything we want the NCWA women's division to stand for—excellence, perseverance, leadership and opportunity," said Jim Giunta, Founder and Executive Director of the NCWA. "She understands the sport from the perspective of an athlete, coach, program builder and mentor. We believe she is uniquely qualified to lead the next stage of growth for women's wrestling in the NCWA."

Following her competitive career, Jaynes transitioned into coaching and program development. She served as the inaugural head women's wrestling coach at Delaware Valley University, where she was entrusted with building the program from the ground up. She later joined the women's wrestling staff at Grand Canyon University and has remained actively involved in developing wrestlers and strengthening opportunities for women at the collegiate level.

As National Women's Director, Jaynes will provide leadership and direction for the NCWA women's division. Her responsibilities will include supporting the development of new collegiate programs, strengthening communication with coaches and administrators, advancing athlete recruitment and retention, promoting high-quality competition and helping shape the long-term strategic direction of women's wrestling within the association.

"I am honored to accept the position of National Women's Director for the NCWA," Jaynes said. "Wrestling has given me opportunities to compete, lead, serve and grow, and I am excited to help create those same opportunities for the next generation of women. I look forward to working alongside NCWA coaches, administrators and student-athletes to strengthen existing programs, develop new teams and continue building a national platform where women can succeed on the mat, in the classroom and throughout their lives."

Jaynes earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's degree in management from Missouri Valley College, where she was also a two-time collegiate All-American. Her experience as an athlete, Army officer, coach, business owner and advocate for women in sports gives her a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing collegiate women's wrestling.

The appointment reflects the NCWA's continuing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for women and supporting sustainable collegiate wrestling programs throughout the United States.

"Women's wrestling is experiencing extraordinary growth, and the NCWA intends to be an important part of that progress," Giunta said. "Leigh has the credibility, experience and passion to help our member institutions build programs that provide meaningful opportunities for female student-athletes. We are excited to welcome her into this national leadership role."

Jaynes will begin working with NCWA leadership, conference directors, coaches and member institutions immediately in preparation for the upcoming season and the continued expansion of the NCWA women's division.

About the National Collegiate Wrestling Association
The National Collegiate Wrestling Association is a national governing body dedicated exclusively to the growth and success of collegiate wrestling. Founded in 1997 the NCWA works with colleges and universities across the United States to expand athletic opportunities, develop sustainable wrestling programs and provide student-athletes with meaningful championship competition. The association sponsors men's and women's collegiate wrestling and remains committed to developing tomorrow's leaders through education, competition, service and character.

For additional information about the NCWA, visit NCWA.net.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jim Giunta
President / Executive Director
National Collegiate Wrestling Association
214-378-9900
jim@ncwa.net