Carlos Prieto Named First-Ever Head Coach of GCCC Women’s Wrestling

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 — Garden City, Kan.

Garden City Community College has officially added women’s wrestling to its athletic lineup — the first time in school history the Broncbusters will field a women’s team on the mat. The move signals another major step in the college’s ongoing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities and reflects the rapid national and statewide growth of the sport.

The idea has been developing behind the scenes for several years, and according to the GCCC athletic department, the timing finally aligned with the sport’s national momentum. More than 180 Kansas high schools now sponsor girls wrestling, but only a fraction of those athletes have in-state options to continue competing at the college level. By establishing this program, Garden City becomes part of a growing list of two-year institutions helping bridge that gap.

Athletic Director Mike Pilosof said the addition is rooted in opportunity — providing another pathway for student-athletes in Western Kansas to compete and earn an education. The initiative, he noted, comes with strong backing from college leadership and fits within the school’s vision of growing athletics in a sustainable and community-driven way.

Leading the program is Carlos Prieto, a longtime coach in the Garden City High School system who has guided both boys’ and girls’ teams over the years. Prieto brings extensive local ties and a deep understanding of the area’s wrestling culture. His approach will center on developing homegrown talent and recruiting across Western and Central Kansas, where he believes some of the state’s most overlooked athletes compete.

“It’s historic, and I’m extremely excited to be a part of it,” Prieto said. “When girls first started wrestling in high school, I realized how coachable and motivated they were. I’m 100% behind this and thankful to everyone who helped make it happen.”

Prieto’s connection to the community and reputation as a teacher of the sport make him a natural fit to build the foundation. He has long been a supporter of expanding opportunities for young women in wrestling and said he looks forward to establishing a culture built on discipline, development, and pride in representing Garden City. When asked about building the program from the ground up, Prieto said his first priority will be recruiting close to home.

“We have so much talent right here in Western Kansas,” he said. “Once a few top-tier athletes commit to Garden City, the rest will follow. Athletes in this region are often overlooked — that’s going to change with me.”

The announcement was met with enthusiasm from both campus leadership and community members. GCCC Trustee Leonard Hitz emphasized the strong base of local support that has long surrounded Broncbuster athletics and predicted similar excitement for the women’s wrestling program.

The new team is expected to begin recruiting immediately, with competition slated to begin once the initial roster is assembled. As the sport continues to surge nationwide, Garden City Community College now joins that movement — marking a historic milestone for the school and another opportunity for student-athletes to make their mark in Western Kansas.

Watch the full announcement here: https://www.swkssportsnetwork.com/?B=2908897