New DIII Legislation in Women’s Wrestling and STUNT

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

KAITRISS DEGROFT
STAFF WRITER

2/9/2026

The NCAA landscape is officially changing for Division III athletes. Following the 2026 NCAA Convention, Women’s Wrestling has been granted its own dedicated DIII national championship, while STUNT has been elevated to a full championship sport. 

These landmark decisions provide a permanent home and a clear postseason path for thousands of female competitors.

For Alma College, these new rules ensure that STUNT and women’s wrestling athletes are recognized as full NCAA competitors. This move transitions both programs into the official championship tier, giving the Scots a permanent path to compete for NCAA national titles.

While the full effects of the legislation will be felt by future recruits, current seniors like Dani Crews (‘26) in the cheer and STUNT program recognize the weight of the change on their goals and aspirations.

“As for my future in STUNT, the new legislation makes me even more excited to compete with teams around the country, regardless of division. There are phenomenal teams at all levels, and I am so excited to battle on the mat with every one of them,” said Crews. 

Beyond the title change, Crews notes that the legislation shifts the internal culture and how the team is perceived on campus.

“I think this will compel more athletes to consider pursuing STUNT at the DIII level because of the balance it provides between being a high-level athlete and maintaining a strong social and academic life,” said Crews. 

Head cheer and STUNT coach Michelle Marek notes that while the changes present unique hurdles for the Alma STUNT program, the benefits for the athletes are significant.

“This creates a bit of a challenge… competing head-to-head with scholarship-funded programs. However, the NCAA championship will also bring a new level of competition and opportunities for STUNT athletes,” said Marek. 

Coach Marek explains that the program has been preparing for this transition since 2024 by adjusting to NCAA regulations and scheduling tougher opponents.

“Starting in 2027, the STUNT team will become its own entity… we have scheduled some of the top teams in Division I and Division II this year to help prepare us for the level of competition we will face next season,” said Marek

Head women’s wrestling coach Derick DuVall believes the move provides the high-quality experience his athletes deserve. 

“The NCAA does an excellent job of creating high-quality regional and national tournaments. Women wrestlers will now have the opportunity to compete in meaningful postseason environments,” said DuVall. 

DuVall believes this visibility will create a ripple effect, inspiring the next generation of wrestlers to commit to the collegiate level.

“Younger athletes will be inspired when they see how big of an opportunity this is… as the championship continues each year, it will help grow visibility and give women’s wrestling the exposure it deserves,” said DuVall. 

Looking toward the 2027-28 season, Coach Du Vall believes Alma’s top-tier facilities put the program in a prime position to dominate once Division III moves to its own standalone championship.

“We have some of the best training facilities at the Division III level, and I truly believe we are positioned to make a strong impact when this split happens. The future of women’s wrestling is very bright,” said DuVall.