KENOSHA, Wis. — Carthage College Athletics has announced the hiring of Tarkyia Mensah as the new head coach of the Firebirds women's wrestling program.

Under Mensah's direction, the Schreiner University women's wrestling program saw steady growth and success over three seasons. In 2022-23, the team placed fourth at regionals, producing four national qualifiers and four Scholar All-Americans. The 2023-24 squad elevated its performance with a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championships and an SLIAC Conference title. That same season, the team finished third at regionals with five national qualifiers, one All-American, and five Scholar All-Americans, earning SLIAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors. 

In 2024-25, Mensah led the program to another SLIAC championship, a fifth-place finish at both nationals and regionals, three national qualifiers, one All-American, and six Scholar All-Americans. She was named Regional Coach of the Year and again recognized as part of the SLIAC Coaching Staff of the Year, with the team also receiving the SLIAC Team Sportsmanship Award.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Mensah to Carthage College and the Firebirds team," said Director of Athletics Ryan Kane. "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. Coach Mensah brings an infectious energy and championship mindset that will elevate our student-athletes and continue building a strong foundation for the future."

A three-time WCWA All-American and two-time University Nationals Champion during her collegiate career, Mensah's impact as a coach has been equally impressive. Over the past three seasons, her teams have produced 12 national qualifiers, two NCAA All-Americans, and 15 Scholar All-Americans.

"While transitions always bring a mix of emotions, I'm excited to join the Carthage College team as the new Women's Wrestling Coach," commented Mensah. "I embrace this new challenge, and I'm confident that the adversity we face will only strengthen us and take us to new heights. I look forward to fostering growth off and on the mats alongside our dedicated student-athletes and staff. Go Firebirds!"

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