GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Montana DeLawder, a highly successful wrestler with national and international experience, has joined the first Gettysburg College women's wrestling coaching staff as an assistant coach, announced by recently hired head coach Chris Haines on Tuesday.

The College announced the addition of women's wrestling as its 25th varsity sport two weeks ago and the appointment of Haines as head coach last week.

"We are thrilled to welcome Montana to our staff at Gettysburg College," Haines said. "Montana brings tremendous passion for the sport of wrestling, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the mat. As we build this new women's wrestling program from the ground up, it was important to find someone who believes deeply in our vision and culture. Montana's energy, knowledge of the sport, and ability to connect with athletes will play a major role in helping establish a competitive and supportive environment for our team. I'm excited to work alongside her as we grow this program together."

No stranger to the area, DeLawder graduated from Gettysburg High School as a four-time state champion and two-time PIAA regional qualifier and sectional placewinner in the boys' division. An eight-time high school All-American, she was a 2019 USMC Fargo women's high school national champion and a two-time NHSCA national champion.

She went on to wrestle collegiately at King University in Bristol, Tenn. While there, she was a four-year All-American and four-time regional champion. She graduated this past year as the program's all-time wins leader with 120 for her career and career pins leader with 74. Her 38-6 record as a senior tied the program record for wins in a season with 19 of those coming by pin. She also served a captain for her junior and senior seasons at King.

"Wrestling has given me so much, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back as part of the women's wrestling staff at Gettysburg College," DeLawder said. "I'm excited to help build this program and work with student-athletes who are ready to compete hard and grow through the sport. Getting the chance to work alongside Coach Chris Haines, who has been my coach and mentor for many years, makes the opportunity even more special."

DeLawder was a two-time U20 All-American and three-time U23 All-American and has experience on the international level. In 2023, she was a U23 national champion and was a Spain Grand Prix silver medalist. She was U23 Pan-Am silver medalist in 2024 and a champion in 2025. She continues to actively compete at the senior level.

She has worked as a clinician at numerous camps and coaches for Haines Trained Wrestling Club. She has also served as a Pennsylvania High School national team coach for PAUSA Wrestling since 2022, coaching the Cadet Team national championships in 2025 and junior team national champions in 2025 at Fargo.

She graduated magna cum laude in May with a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in leadership.

Gettysburg will begin its first season of intercollegiate women's wrestling in Fall 2026.