2022-23 Women's College Commitments

Iowa Women's Program Lands First In-State Commit

Iowa Women's Program Lands First In-State Commit

Three-time Iowa state champion Ella Schmit announced Saturday that she will join the Hawkeyes.

Feb 5, 2022 by Andy Hamilton
Iowa Women's Program Lands First In-State Commit

Ella Schmit has made the hourlong trip to Carver-Hawkeye Arena countless times through the years to take in Iowa dual meets, hoping and dreaming that one day she’d be able to be more than just a spectator. 

That vision is becoming a reality for the three-time Iowa state high school champion. 

Schmit announced Saturday that she’s joining the Hawkeyes, becoming Clarissa Chun’s first in-state recruit. 

“It’s been my dream ever since I was little,” Schmit said. “I’m excited I finally get to live it out.” 

The Fargo All-American won titles each of the past three years at the Iowa Coaches and Officials Association state tournament. She was the Dan Gable Ms. Wrestler of the Year Award winner last year as the state’s top wrestler. She also qualified for the boys state tournament last season. 

Schmit was preparing to continue her career elsewhere. She considered North Central College, Grand View and McKendree, but Iowa’s announcement in September that it was adding women’s wrestling changed the recruiting picture for the senior from Bettendorf High School. 

Schmit took an official visit to Iowa last weekend for the Hawkeyes’ dual against Penn State. She said she’ll sign a letter of intent on Monday, becoming the second member of Iowa’s 2022 recruiting class, along with national pound-for-pound #1 prospect Kylie Welker, who signed with the Hawkeyes this week. 

“I knew in my heart as soon as I visited that that’s where I’ve always wanted to be ever since I was growing up,” Schmit said. “I live an hour away from campus, I’ve had season tickets at Iowa as long as I can remember, so I was really used to the arena and I love the environment there.”