Cael Sanderson Named NWCA Coach Of The Year For Record 7th Time: Legendary coach leads Penn State to another national title, solidifying his…
Penn State wrestling head coach Cael Sanderson has been named the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Coach of the Year for a record seventh time, further solidifying his legendary status in collegiate wrestling. This accolade follows Penn State’s dominant performance throughout the 2024-2025 season, culminating in their 13th national title and 12th since 2011.
Under Sanderson’s leadership, the Nittany Lions have achieved unprecedented success, including a Big Ten record of 70 consecutive dual meet victories dating back to January 2020. The team’s recent Big Ten tournament championship saw them amass a program-record 181.5 points, with five individual champions—a feat that ties the program’s highest number of individual titles in a single tournament.
Sanderson’s coaching philosophy emphasizes gratitude, enjoyment of the sport, and a focus on the present moment, which he believes are key to sustained success. He credits his coaching staff and athletes for their collective dedication and hard work, stating, “It is an honor for the program… It is a full program and full staff honor.”
- As Penn State continues to dominate the collegiate wrestling landscape, Sanderson’s unparalleled achievements as both an athlete and coach underscore his profound impact on the sport.
