TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State University has named Bryan Kenney as the first head coach in the history of its women's wrestling program.

NSU will be the lone NCAA women's wrestling program in Oklahoma, with the program set to begin competition in Fall 2026.

NSU President Rodney Hanley said the launch of the program and the hiring of its inaugural head coach mark a significant moment in university history.

"We are proud to welcome Bryan Kenney to Northeastern State University as we launch a truly historic initiative for our institution and our state. As Oklahoma's first NCAA women's wrestling program, this team represents opportunity, growth and leadership," Hanley said. "Coach Kenney brings the experience, integrity and championship mindset needed to build a program that will make RiverHawks proud—both in competition and in the classroom. We are excited for the future of women's wrestling at NSU.

Kenney brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree to Tahlequah.

He currently leads the men's wrestling program at Northern Oklahoma College, where Kenney was tasked to restart the program in Tonkawa in the fall of 2024. In their revival season, NOC sent two to the NJCAA Wrestling Tournament and is set to send seven in the upcoming March National Tournament. He is also the Assistant Women's Coach who finished 11th at the National Tournament last season and is currently ranked 10th in NJCAA.

Kenney previously led the JJ Pearce and Plano East High School Wrestling Program in Texas and is a Gold Certified Coach with USA Wrestling. Over the course of his career, he has amassed over 250 dual wins as a head coach and has built a reputation for developing athletes at every level of the sport.

In addition to his high school success, Kenney founded the Power Training Wrestling Center in 2021, where he serves as director and co-head coach. Kenney's international and national experience is extensive. He served as the Head Greco-Roman/Assistant Freestyle coach for the 2019 15U Pan American Games team and as the Assistant Beach Coach for the 2026 U20 Beach World Championships. He has coached at the Olympic Training Center Developmental Camp on two occasions and served as a National Facilitator for USA Wrestling's Greco-Roman Innovation Team (GRIT). In addition, he has led Team Texas as a Junior Duals coach for the past five years.

Kenney expressed his gratitude and excitement about the opportunity, noting his family is also excited about joining the RiverHawk and Tahlequah communities

"It is an incredible honor to be named the first Head Women's Wrestling Coach at Northeastern State University. I want to thank Coach Sisemore, the wrestling committee and the NSU administration for placing their trust in me," Kenney said We will build a program that reflects RiverHawk pride on the mat, in the classroom and throughout the community.

 "The opportunity to establish Oklahoma's first NCAA Women's Wrestling Program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tahlequah will become the destination for women's wrestling—not only in Oklahoma, but across the nation." 

NSU Athletic Director John Sisemore praised Kenney's leadership and vision.

"Bryan's experience in building and managing successful wrestling programs makes him the ideal person to launch our women's wrestling program," Sisemore said. "His energy, national-level connections, and commitment to student-athlete development will lay a strong foundation for long-term success."

Kenney earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Illinois State University and later completed his Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University.

A family man and dedicated mentor, Kenney and his wife, Laura, have two children, Reese and Brexton.