AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State head wrestling coach Kevin Dresser announced the hiring of Fernando Villaescusa as the program's development coordinator Tuesday. Villaescusa previously served as ISU's volunteer assistant coach for the last five seasons.

"Fernando has proven to be a valuable asset to our program over the last several years, both in bringing high-level athletes to Ames and developing them into better wrestlers once they get here," Dresser said. "We're excited to bring Fernando on board as a full-time staff member at Iowa State. He is certainly deserving of it."

Villaescusa has been instrumental in Dresser's rebuilding of the Cyclone wrestling program. Their efforts have seen Iowa State climb on the national stage, highlighted by a 2024 Big 12 title and fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships, ISU's best since 2010.

Villaescusa has played a vital role in recruiting and development, both within ISU wrestling and the Cyclone Regional Training Center. Namely, Villaescusa was crucial in the development of Yonger Bastida and Anthony Echemendia, now both NCAA All-Americans and Big 12 Champions, as they transitioned from Freestyle to Folkstyle wrestling early in their collegiate careers.

Villaescusa came to Ames from Tucson, Ariz., where he coached at the high school level. Well-versed in freestyle wrestling, he spent most of his coaching time at Sunnyside HS in Tucson, which is one of the top high school programs in the U.S.

"I am so grateful to everyone at Iowa State who made this possible," Villaescusa said. "I love helping student-athletes chase their dreams and goals, and there is no where I'd rather do it than in Ames, Iowa. I love being a Cyclone."

Villaescusa and his wife, Donna, have three children. Their youngest, Nando, is a junior on the Iowa State wrestling team. Their daughter, Areana, is one of the top female wrestlers in the United States and placed fifth at the 2024 World Championships. Their other daughter, Kiara, was a manager for the Iowa State wrestling team.