PLATTEVILLE, Wis.--Director of Athletics and Recreation Sam Koenig announced on Tuesday (Sept. 22) the addition of men's golf and women's wrestling as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's 17th and 18th varsity sports for the 2027-28 academic year.

"Adding men's golf and women's wrestling represents an exciting and strategic step forward for Pioneer Athletics and UW-Platteville," said Koenig. "Sport expansion is about more than adding teams. It's about creating new opportunities for student-athletes, enhancing the overall campus experience, strengthening enrollment, and building programs positioned to compete at the conference and national levels."

Men's golf returns to UW-Platteville after last being sponsored in the spring of 1991. UW-Platteville becomes the 21st college or university in the state of Wisconsin to offer men's golf, and the eighth University of Wisconsin school, including UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Stout in the WIAC.

Women's wrestling will join UW-Platteville's portfolio as one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with the NCAA adding it as its 91st championship in 2026. The rapid growth has seen the number of women's wrestling NCAA programs across the country jump to 125, up nearly 50 from just three years ago. In Wisconsin, seven colleges or universities currently sponsor the sport, including UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stevens Point in the WIAC.

"These two programs will expand the reach of UW-Platteville throughout Wisconsin, the Midwest, and beyond while providing additional opportunities for students to pursue excellence academically and athletically," said Koenig. "Most importantly, this growth reflects our commitment to aligning athletics and recreation with the broader priorities of the institution. We believe Pioneer Athletics can be a catalyst for institutional growth, student success, competitive excellence, and helping move UW-Platteville forward."

A national search for head coaches for both programs will begin immediately. Until coaching staffs are announced, prospective students interested in learning more about either sport may send inquires to athletics@uwplatt.edu.

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