Branford native Cheyenne Carden has been named as the first women’s wrestling coach at Western New England University in Springfield. (Photo courtesy Western New England University)
Branford native Cheyenne Carden has been named the first head coach of the women’s wrestling program at Western New England University in Springfield.
Carden comes to Western New England after being named Captain in the Connecticut Army National Guard. While with the Army National Guard, Carden is a Clinical Training Officer for the Connecticut Army National Guard Medical Readiness Detachment.
Carden first attended Kings University in Bristol, Tennessee where she was recruited to the women’s wrestling team. She transferred to American International College, located in Springfield, where she played women’s lacrosse for the Yellowjackets and was named to the 2015 women’s lacrosse Northeast 10 All-Conference First Team. Carden graduated from AIC in 2016, earning a degree in both Criminal Justice and Psychology.
“I am so grateful to be given the opportunity and honor to lead the Women’s Wrestling program,” said Carden. “I am very excited to get started and to continue to build the women’s wrestling program at WNE to compete at the top level.”
Carden is a multiple time high school All-American and United States Girl’s Wrestling Association (USGWA) New England champion for Branford High School. She won the USGWA national championship at 130 pounds in 2010.
Carden’s accomplishments at the high school level include placing fifth for Branford at the CIAC Class M championships in 2011 at 130 pounds — just the fifth girl in state history at that time to earn a medal at a CIAC boys championship meet.
Mike Sugermeyer, who is entering his eighth year as the head coach of the Western New England men’s wrestling team, has been elevated to Director of Wrestling, to go along with his duties as the men’s wrestling head coach.
“Cheyenne emerged as the top candidate in a national search for our first ever head women’s wrestling coach,” said Sugermeyer. “I have no doubt that Cheyenne’s leadership and passion will serve her well.”
The Western New England women’s team opens their season when WNEU hosts East Stroudsburg University on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 4 p.m.
Material from the Western New England University news release is included in this report.
