Allendale, Mich. – Head Coach Jake Short has been named the 2025 NCAA Women's Wrestling Coach of the Year, as announced by The Open Mat.

In their inaugural season, Short led the Lakers to a fourth-place finish at the National Championship and a runner-up finish in the regional tournament. He guided the team to a 7-2 record in dual matches on the women's wrestling side.

Under Short's leadership, the program produced two national champions—Katerina Lange and Sage Mortimer—and one national runner-up, Sabrina Nauss. The team earned a total of five All-American honors at the National Championship and produced nine Scholar All-Americans.

"It's awesome to be recognized with this award, but I also want to highlight that there are so many people who contributed to this," said Short. "I have to give all the credit to my assistant coach Marlynne Deede, our volunteer coach JJ Johnson, and, of course, the team." 

Short is supported by assistant coach Marlynne Deede, a former Division I wrestler like himself. Short competed at the University of Minnesota, while Deede wrestled for the University of Iowa. He is also assisted by volunteer coach JJ Johnson, who has been with the GVSU wrestling program for two years.

"I'm blessed to be surrounded by the right people. This award is a reflection of where this program is headed!" added Short. 

To get the full story, visit the open mat. For more updates on women's wrestling, follow @gvsuwomenswrestling on Instagram and @gvsuwwrestling on Twitter.