UTICA — Utica University announced the addition of three new sports to its athletic roster: men’s wrestling, women’s wrestling and women’s gymnastics.

With the addition of wrestling and gymnastics, the university will now offer a total of 29 intercollegiate sports for student athletes.

“This will give prospective student athletes another opportunity to continue to compete in the sport they love while getting a quality education right here on the campus of Utica University, so we’re very excited and proud to be able to add those three additional sports,” said David Fontaine, director of physical education and athletics at Utica University.

While the university’s sports roster is expanding, all sports will continue to remain at the NCAA Division III level.

Utica University President Laura Casamento noted the significance and increased popularity of both gymnastics and wrestling, especially for women.

“Both are recognized by the NCAA as emerging sports for women,” Casemento said. “With the growing popularity of these sports, we’re delighted to expand opportunities for student athletes.”

The university anticipates the addition of the three new sports will bring in around 60 new students, increasing their total number of student athletes to around 800.

“We know there are growing numbers of high quality high school and transfer athletes, both right here in our region and across the state and the country, who seek opportunities to continue participating in gymnastics and wrestling at the collegiate level,” Casamento said. “Utica University is committed and well-positioned to provide gymnasts and wrestlers opportunities to succeed at a very high level, both academically and athletically.”

The university will begin to offer all three sports next winter during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The search for wrestling and gymnastic coaches is underway. The coaches hired will be immediately tasked with recruiting student athletes for their teams.

Practices and training for both wrestling teams will take place on campus, while the women’s gymnastics team will practice and train at Valley Gymnastics, 1307 Champlin Ave.

“We’re anxious to get started and we fully expect to become very competitive within a short time,” Casamento added.