Coach Andrew Dimas and Elmhurst wrestler Mallory Matyuga explain college wrestling recruiting: when to start, how to reach out, what catches coaches' attention, and why academics, character, and fit matter as much as results.
Practical tips include contacting coaches proactively, visiting teams, involving parents the right way, completing recruiting forms, and taking one concrete next step toward finding the right college program.
About Coach Andrew Demos: Andrew Demos is the head coach of the Elmhurst University women’s wrestling program, joining the Bluejays in May 2024 as the first head coach in program history. Now entering his third year, Demos has guided Elmhurst to a top-15 finish at the Division III National Invite and coached nine student-athletes to Scholar All-American honors. Before coming to Elmhurst, he served on the men’s and women’s wrestling staffs at North Central College, where he was part of the 2023 NCWWC national championship team, the 2024 national runner-up team, and back-to-back CCIW championship programs. A former wrestler at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Demos was a four-time NWCA Scholar All-American, earned All-Region honors at the 2020 NCAA Division II Super Regionals, and was a member of Nebraska-Kearney’s 2022 NCAA Division II National Championship team.
About Mallory Matuga: Mallory Matuga is a women’s wrestler at Elmhurst University and a graduate of Buffalo Grove High School in Illinois. A multi-sport athlete, Mallory competed in both wrestling and football throughout high school, earning All-Conference honors in wrestling and qualifying for Fargo. She also earned Academic All-Conference recognition in both sports. At Elmhurst, Mallory is continuing her wrestling career while studying Business and Sports Management, bringing the perspective of a student-athlete who recently navigated the college recruiting process herself.
About Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast: The Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast celebrates athletes, coaches and families helping girls wrestling grow across Illinois. With interviews, practical advice and stories, the podcast connects and supports IL girls wrestling community—on and off the mat.
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About the Host: Lena Burkut is the host and creator of the Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast, a show dedicated to sharing the stories, experiences, and voices shaping girls wrestling in Illinois. Through conversations with wrestlers, coaches, officials, parents, and other members of the wrestling community, she focuses on helping families better understand the sport while highlighting the continued growth of girls wrestling. Lena also brings a background in journalism, communications, and visual storytelling to the podcast, with a strong interest in building a more informed, connected, and supportive wrestling community.
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