Cole Nance is a standout competitor and leader for the Bellarmine University wrestling program, bringing a championship pedigree and a “pinner’s mentality” to the mat. A native of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Cole’s collegiate career is defined by elite consistency and a relentless work ethic.
Cole’s career reached a pinnacle in 2024 when he was crowned the NCWA National Champion at 174 lbs. His path to the title was marked by dominance, leading his team in falls and consistently delivering in high-stakes duals. He is also a multi-time NCWA Great Lakes Conference Champion and a former SoCon Wrestler of the Week.
Throughout his time at Bellarmine, Cole has been a statistical powerhouse:
- National Champion with the 2024 NCWA Title (174 lbs).
- Led the Knights with a career-best 33 wins in a single season (2022-23), tying for the second-most wins in program history.
- Renowned for his ability to end matches early, Cole has consistently ranked among the team leaders in pins (falls) and major decisions.
- Has successfully competed and placed in prestigious tournaments across multiple weight classes (157, 165, and 174 lbs).
Before joining Bellarmine, Cole was a standout at Anderson County High School, where he amassed a 154-33 record. Beyond the stats, Cole is driven by the “caliber of person” the sport of wrestling builds. He approaches coaching with the same mindset that earned him a 4.0 GPA and a national title: a commitment to being challenged mentally and physically every day.
Whether he is breaking down technique or mentoring the next generation of athletes, Cole emphasizes the grit, discipline, and technical precision required to compete at the Division I level.
