(Photo courtesy of Gannon University Athletics)Erie, PA - Gannon University has named Breonnah Neal as its new head women's wrestling coach.
"I am excited for the opportunity to join a program on the rise," said Neal. "I look forward to working with all those who are a part of the Gannon family. We will build off previous success and continue to create great individuals on and off the mat."
Neal joins Gannon University from Ferrum College, where she worked as head women's wrestling coach since 2019. There she built a foundation that produced the highest national finish (13th) in school history and four national qualifiers. In addition, during the 2021 season, the program had its first All-American.
She also worked as an assistant coach at the School of Hard Knocks Wrestling Club in High Point, N.C. beginning in 2013.
"Breonnah Neal is a tremendous hire for our women's wrestling program," said Gannon Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk. "She has been successful as a head coach at the collegiate level and demonstrates a commitment to the student-athlete experience. Breonnah is a decorated wrestler and an experienced coach who will serve the continued growth of our student-athletes and women's wrestling."
Neal began her collegiate career at Campbellsville University in Kentucky where she earned a national runner-up finish at the Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) national championships. She was also a University Nationals All-American, qualified for the World Team Trials and earned Dean's List accolades during her time at Campbellsville.
In 2014, Neal transferred to King University in Bristol, Tenn., where she won a national championship with a perfect 21-0 record in 2017. The run included 16 technical falls and two pins. Neal went on to earn her bachelor's degree in psychology that same year. While at King, she earned three more WCWA All-American finishes and finished third at the U.S. Open. She helped King win four straight duals title and the WCWA National Championship. In addition, Neal was named King University's 2017 Female Athlete of the Year and 2017 Most Valuable Wrestler while earning a spot on the Dean's List.
A native of Winston-Salem, Neal attended West Forsyth High School, where she was a three-time varsity wrestler and a three-time all-conference honoree. Neal holds the North Carolina state record for female wins against males (111) and was the first woman to ever qualify for the 4A North Carolina State Tournament, the state's largest division. Neal is currently pursuing her master's degree in kinesiology from East Carolina University.
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