A native of Hawaii and pioneer in the sport of women's wrestling, Chun was a 2008 world champion and 2012 Olympic bronze-medalist, the first medal ever from an American in women's wrestling. Chun continues to shatter boundaries when she was named the head coach of the Iowa women's wrestling program in 2021, the first NCAA women's varsity program from a D1 Power 5 conference.
Women's Wrestling Academy Set For Sept. 22-23 In Iowa City
Aug 7, 2023
Ever wondered what goes into a wrestling workout? What about that feeling when you pin your opponent? Or run out of the tunnel and onto the mat at Carver-Hawkeye Arena?
What Iowa Wrestling Coach Clarissa Chun Said At NWCA Convention: Takeaways
Aug 2, 2023
FloWrestling’s Andy Hamilton interviewed Iowa women’s coach Clarissa Chun and her assistant Tonya Verbeek at the NWCA Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Here is what we learned about the Iowa women’s program for the upcoming inaugural season.
Women's Weekly: Is Tonya Verbeek Iowa's Secret Weapon?
May 8, 2023
Iowa coach Clarissa Chun accomplished something that USA Wrestling could not: hire Tonya Verbeek.
Women's Weekly: Iowa Passes First Test
Nov 21, 2022
Clarissa Chun has been on the recruiting trail during her first year as head coach at the University of Iowa. The former Olympic bronze medalist sought the best talent from across the country to Iowa City.
Iowa Prep Star Chooses The Hawkeyes
Sep 29, 2022
Lilly Luft was wrestling with pain, so she turned to the sport her brother dedicated his life to. On July 15, 2017, Logan Luft — an incoming freshman at Charles City High School — lost his life at the age of 15 in an ATV accident.
Women's Weekly: Amit Elor Makes History
Sep 22, 2022
Three of four World Championships are complete following a historic performance by the U.S. women’s freestyle team in Belgrade, Serbia. The team finished second behind Japan and crowned three individual World champions and won seven total medals.
Women's Weekly: Fargo Fever
Jul 21, 2022
The past week has been filled with women’s wrestling news — and all of it is exciting. Here are the highlights.
Key Moments In Iowa Women's Wrestling History
Jul 18, 2022
1993 — Atina Bibbs of Davenport is the first Iowan to win a Senior National title.
Iowa Adds 3x Olympic Medalist To Coaching Staff
Jul 15, 2022
Clarissa Chun keeps adding pieces to the Iowa women's wrestling program, and she just landed one of the best coaches in the world to be her assistant. Tonya Verbeek -- a six-time World/Olympic medalist -- will join Gary Mayabb on staff with Chun leading the way.
Sterling Dias Commits To Iowa
May 20, 2022
Iowa’s recruiting haul continues to grow with the addition of two-time Cadet World medalist Sterling Dias. Dias is currently ranked third in the nation at 106 pounds, which will add depth to the lower weights.
Women's Weekly: NAIA Gets Championship Status
Apr 13, 2022
A big piece of news for women’s wrestling dropped over the weekend when the NAIA voted to adopt women’s wrestling as its 28th national championship sport beginning next season. An NAIA Invitational has taken place since 2019 but this will be the first time women's wrestling will have an officially-sanctioned collegiate national championship at any level.
Iowa Women Pick Up Two More Commitments
Apr 12, 2022
Iowa coach Clarissa Chun just added commitments #9 and #10 to its monster inaugural recruiting class. Sam Calkins (#1 at 200 pounds) and Bell Mir (#6 at 144 pounds) confirmed that they will wrestle for the Hawkeyes.
Women's Weekly: Every U.S. World Medalist
Apr 6, 2022
The United States entered the Senior Women's World Championships for the first time in 1989. Since that time there have been 38 women who have combined for 93 World and Olympic medals, including 10 women who have won a total of 23 World/Olympic titles.
Women's Weekly: Post-Season Fever
Feb 14, 2022
College regionals and conference meets will take place this weekend and the following weekend at locations throughout the country. Although this is an important step for winning a national collegiate title, NAIA and NCAA schools have different procedures. Here is a breakdown.
Women's Weekly: Iowa Off To A Fast Start
Feb 7, 2022
New Iowa women’s coach Clarissa Chun is on the recruiting trail and she landed three of the best wrestlers in the country. Kylie Welker — the #1 overall high school recruit — kicked things off by announcing her commitment to the Hawkeyes on February 3. A few days later, Bettendorf’s Ella Schmit became the first in-state recruit for Iowa.
