Iowa State wrestling adds Javier Maldonado as assistant coach

TL;DR

Iowa State wrestling has hired Javier Maldonado as an assistant coach. He previously served as the associate head coach at Little Rock, where he helped establish the program.

Key points

Iowa State wrestling hires Javier Maldonado as assistant coach
Maldonado was previously associate head coach at Little Rock
He helped start the wrestling program at Little Rock
Iowa State head coach Brent Metcalf praises Maldonado's experience
Maldonado aims to develop well-rounded young men

Mentioned in this story

Javier MaldonadoBrent Metcalf

Iowa State CyclonesLittle Rock Trojans

Iowa State wrestling adds Javier Maldonado as assistant coach

Iowa State men's wrestling has added another assistant coach.

Javier Maldonado was announced as the Cyclones' newest assistant coach on Tuesday, May 12. He most recently served as Little Rock's associate head coach, where he helped start the program. Maldonado spent seven seasons with the Trojans, serving as associate head coach since 2022.

“My primary goal when building out this coaching staff was to find good people who will develop well-rounded young men, and I believe Javier fits that mold perfectly,” Iowa State head coach Brent Metcalf said in a release. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience at multiple levels of wrestling and his ability to recruit and develop athletes is top notch. I’m excited for him to get to Ames and help us reach the next level.”

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard announces Iowa State women’s wrestling program and new head coaches for men’s and women’s wrestling coaches during a press conference at Hilton Coliseum on April. 16, 2026, in Ames, Iowa

Iowa State new wrestling director Kevin Dresser speaks during an announcement by athletic director Jamie Pollard of Iowa State women’s wrestling program and new head men’s wrestling coach Brent Metcalf, and women’s wrestling coach Alli St.John during a press conference at Hilton Coliseum on April. 16, 2026, in Ames, Iowa

Q&A

Who is Javier Maldonado and what is his coaching background?

Javier Maldonado is the new assistant coach for Iowa State wrestling, previously serving as the associate head coach at Little Rock for seven seasons.

What role did Javier Maldonado have at Little Rock?

At Little Rock, Javier Maldonado was the associate head coach and played a key role in starting the wrestling program.

Why did Iowa State hire Javier Maldonado as an assistant coach?

Iowa State hired Javier Maldonado to develop well-rounded athletes and leverage his extensive knowledge and recruiting abilities in wrestling.

When was Javier Maldonado announced as Iowa State's assistant coach?

Javier Maldonado was announced as Iowa State's assistant coach on Tuesday, May 12.