Sterling Dias Commits To Iowa
Sterling Dias Commits To Iowa
Two-time Cadet World medalist Sterling Dias will continue her wrestling career at the University of Iowa.
Iowa’s recruiting haul continues to grow with the addition of two-time Cadet World medalist Sterling Dias. Dias is currently ranked third in the nation at 106 pounds, which will add depth to the lower weights.
Dias expects to wrestle at 101 pounds — the lightest college women’s weight class — with plans to move up to 109 as her career progresses. She is currently a senior at Slam Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she won 40-kilogram bronze and silver medals at the Cadet World Championships in 2018 and 2019, respectively, and was a 94-pound 16U Fargo champion in 2018 and 2019.
Her decision to become a Hawkeye was straightforward when Clarissa Chun was hired as head coach.
“When I toured there I just fell in love,” Dias said. “It’s impossible for me to pass up this opportunity to wrestle D1 and be part of the inaugural year. It’s incredible.
“I’ve known Clarissa ever since I started wrestling — over a decade now. She was always my idol from the beginning. She was in a lower weight class and she’s an Asian American like me — it’s the reason why I looked up to her.”
Dias plans to wrestle at Junior Nationals in July, which will likely be her final high school tournament.
Iowa begins scheduled college competitions during the 2023-24 season.
Current Iowa Commits
Kylie Welker — #1 at 164 pounds
Ella Schmit — #6 at 122 pounds
Reese Larramendy — #1 at 144 pounds
Nyla Valencia — #3 at 112 pounds
Emilie Gonzalez — #10 at 106 pounds
Brianna Gonzalez — #1 at 100 pounds
Nanea Estrella — 2nd at 2022 NAIA Championships
Ava Bayless — #12 at 112 pounds
Bella Mir — #6 at 144 pounds
Sam Calkins — #1 at 200 pounds
Sterling Dias — #3 at 106 pounds
Sterling Dias faced future Hawkeye teammate Ava Bayless at the 2018 Cadet National Championships.
