IMG ACADEMY has announced the addition of wrestling to its line-up of sports, marking the fourth new programme launched in as many years.
The launch follows the successful roll-out of softball and boys’ volleyball. IMG Academy notes that wrestling is among the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with participation rising by 129% in 2021–22. IMG Academy sees the new programme as a timely opportunity to extend its influence and deepen its impact.
To spearhead the new programme, the Academy has appointed Enock Francois as wrestling director. Francois joins from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as assistant coach under Rob Koll, an NCAA National Champion, four-time All-American, and three-time ACC Champion.
A three-time collegiate All-American and national finalist with a career record of 140–16, Francois also represented the USA Wrestling Greco-Roman National Team in 2017 and competed at the 2016 Olympic Trials. Beyond his achievements on the mat, he holds a PhD in Educational Leadership along with advanced degrees in Special Education and Psychology. His career has spanned K–12 Special Education, DEI initiatives, and coaching positions at Stanford University, West Point, and Cornell University.
Francois said, “IMG Academy sets the standard for developing student-athletes who excel both in sport and in life, which is exactly why I’m drawn to this opportunity. Wrestling has the potential to thrive in an environment like this, one that pushes for discipline, growth, and long-term success. I aim to build a program that not only competes at the highest level but also shapes young student-athletes into confident leaders and well-rounded individuals.”
IMG Academy – Campus chief operating officer Mike Milliron added, “At IMG Academy, our commitment to empowering student-athletes to win their future fuels our continuous evolution and has allowed us to grow our campus offering at a revolutionary pace over the last several years. The launch of wrestling as our 11th overall sport marks an unrivaled milestone for our team, students, and families, and we cannot wait to see what we can accomplish under our wrestling leadership.”
USA Wrestling executive director Rich Bender commented, “The launch of wrestling at IMG Academy is a game-changing moment for our sport. IMG Academy has been a leader in developing holistic student-athletes, and bringing wrestling into that environment will elevate the standard and expand opportunities for young wrestlers across the country. This is more than a program launch; it is an investment in the future of wrestling.”
