U20 world fifth-place finisher Nugent transferring to Iowa State
Iowa State women's wrestling has landed one of the most accomplished young wrestlers in the country.
Daniella Nugent, a 2025 U20 world team member, announced that she is transferring to Iowa State from Oklahoma State. Nugent placed fifth at the U20 World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, at 65 kilograms (143 pounds), navigating a deep international field with a pair of come-from-behind victories en route to her fifth-place finish.
Nugent's resume before arriving in Ames is extensive. A product of Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., she is a four-time New England Prep champion and three-time National Prep champion. She earned her spot on the 2025 U20 World Team by pinning all five opponents at the U20 National Championships.
The Nugent transfer is the latest addition in a massive offseason for head coach Alli St. John. NAIA national champions Piper Fowler and Christianah Ogunsanya are transferring from William Penn. Campbellsville transfer Makennah Craft, an NAIA freshman All-American, is also headed to Ames, along with Iowa native Greta Brus, a standout from Davenport Assumption who flipped her commitment from NCAA champion McKendree, and Arizona standout Brooklyn Perez, a former William Penn commit.
Iowa State is building toward its first official season as an NCAA women's wrestling program in 2027-28, and the roster St. John is assembling gives the Cyclones a legitimate shot at contending for a national title from the start.