Dupage Policy Journal

Carthage College Athletics has appointed Tarkyia Mensah as the new head coach for the Firebirds women's wrestling program. Mensah previously led Schreiner University's women's wrestling team to notable achievements over three seasons.

During her tenure at Schreiner, the team achieved significant milestones. In the 2022-23 season, they placed fourth at regionals and produced four national qualifiers and four Scholar All-Americans. The following year, they secured a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championships and won an SLIAC Conference title. That season also saw them finish third at regionals with five national qualifiers, one All-American, and five Scholar All-Americans, earning them SLIAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

In 2024-25, under Mensah's leadership, Schreiner claimed another SLIAC championship and finished fifth at both nationals and regionals. The team had three national qualifiers, one All-American, and six Scholar All-Americans. Mensah was named Regional Coach of the Year and again recognized as part of the SLIAC Coaching Staff of the Year. The team also received the SLIAC Team Sportsmanship Award.

Ryan Kane, Director of Athletics at Carthage College, expressed enthusiasm about Mensah's appointment: "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Mensah to Carthage College and the Firebirds team," he said. "Her proven track record of competitive success, academic excellence, and leadership development aligns perfectly with our values and vision for the women's wrestling program."

Mensah is a three-time WCWA All-American and two-time University Nationals Champion from her collegiate career. As a coach over recent seasons, she has guided teams to produce 12 national qualifiers, two NCAA All-Americans, and 15 Scholar All-Americans.

Mensah shared her thoughts on joining Carthage: "While transitions always bring a mix of emotions, I'm excited to join the Carthage College team as the new Women's Wrestling Coach," she commented. "I embrace this new challenge... I look forward to fostering growth off and on the mats alongside our dedicated student-athletes and staff."

Mensah holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from Wayland Baptist University. She has experience as a correctional officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was selected as a U.S. State Department Ambassador for Social Sports Exchange in Azerbaijan in May 2024.