Bio

Carley Rusk was introduced as the first women's wrestling coach at St. Ambrose University in September 2025.

Rusk returned to St. Ambrose after serving as the Geneseo High School girls' wrestling head coach since that program's inception in 2021. She is also a kindergarten teacher in the school district. In 2024, Rusk earned the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Coach of the Year award.

"We had a tremendous group of candidates for our position, and Carley distinguished herself with the positive direction of her high-school program and clear connection with coaching female wrestlers," SAU Director of Mike Holmes states. "She has a knowledge of St. Ambrose and the culture here, and has a tremendous plan for the recruitment of a new sport to get it off the ground with a good foundation."

Rusk is a 2019 graduate of St. Ambrose, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education, and was a part of the softball team. In addition to her coaching experience in wrestling, she has also coached middle school and high school levels of softball

"I am extremely excited for another opportunity to jump-start a women's wrestling program. I have been lucky enough to coach this rapidly growing sport, and I am really looking forward to doing this work at my alma mater. I am ready for the challenge of collegiate coaching and can't wait for our inaugural season!" Rusk said.

The Fighting Bee women's wrestling team will begin competing in the 2026-27 school year. Students interested in joining the inaugural women's wrestling team are encouraged to complete the Fighting Bee Recruitment Form, and visit sau.edu for more information on athletics, academic programs, and campus life.