Carmela Cancelmo, from Mohawk, New York, was hired in August 2025 as the head coach of Utica University's Women's Wrestling program. Cancelmo joins Utica Athletics after completing her Bachelor's degree last year.
A summa cum laude graduate of East Stroudsburg University's B.F.A. in Integrated Art and Design program, Coach Cancelmo shined both academically and athletically with the university's women's wrestling team. Off the mat, Carmela earned several academic honors, including being named an Academic All-American three times. In competition with the NCAA Division II nationally-ranked Warriors, her career was highlighted by notable accomplishments such as a 7th place finish in the 2021 Regionals, alongside a 4th place finish at the 2022 Will Abele Invitational. As a senior, Cancelmo finished 7-2 overall, with a 6th place finish in the Pennsylvania Women's Collegiate State Championships. Her last time on the mat for East Stroudsburg saw her finish 2nd at the Millersville Open.
Coach Cancelmo comes to Utica after gaining experience with the girls wrestling team for her high school, Little Falls. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Cancelmo works at the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the organization's marketing and public relations department.
As a coach, Carmela emphasizes growth in her athletes as leaders, hard workers, and all-around characters. She believes that through consistent effort, all members of the team will turn into confident and disciplined people. In addition to attaining competitive success, Cancelmo highlights her expectations of her athletes to put forth academic efforts, and engagement with their community. Overall, Coach believes that "through wrestling, we develop strength, resilience, and values that last a lifetime."
