Connor Keating

"I enjoy working with student-athletes to identify their personal roadblocks and figure out how to overcome them. It’s incredibly satisfying to be part of their growth and progress."

In December 2024, Coach Connor Keating '09 was announced as the first head coach for the new women’s wrestling program.

“To now be in a position where I can help bring this incredible sport to a population that has long been underrepresented is an honor and privilege,” explained Coach Keating. “This program isn’t just about wrestling, it’s about creating opportunities for women who embody the same resilience, discipline, and grit that define both successful wrestlers and Norwich students. I firmly believe that the type of young women who excel on the mat are the same ones who thrive in the challenging and unique environment that Norwich offers.”

Coach Highlights

• Served as assistant men's wrestling coach and assistant women's rugby coach since 2013
• Instrumental in advancing multiple wrestlers to impressive placements in NCAA Northeast Regional Competition

From Norwich Athlete to Head Coach

From his days on the mat to now as a Norwich alumnus, Coach Keating’s journey is the very embodiment of excellence. A truly dominant wrestler while at Norwich.

• Norwich University alumnus and former wrestler
• Most Valuable Player recognition during his senior year
• Two-time All-New England Honoree
• Scholar All-American
• Finalist in the 2009 All-Academy Championships

International Success After Graduation

• Champion at the 2013 George Kalchev International Invitation in Varna, Bulgaria
• Senior All-American in the 2014 U.S. Open
• Masters Finalist at the U.S. Open in 2017

Leading the Way: Building Norwich Women’s Wrestling

When introducing the stellar leader of the new team, Norwich University Athletic Director Ed Hockenbury proudly presented Coach Connor Keating as the dynamic head coach. “I am excited to announce Coach Connor Keating as the inaugural head coach,” said Hockenbury. “Conner has been a true asset, both as an assistant men’s wrestling coach and assistant women’s rugby coach, to the department since 2013 and we are excited to see him build this program moving forward.”

As an assistant coach for the men’s wrestling program, he’s become crucial in advancing multiple wrestlers to impressive placements in the NCAA Northeast Regional Competition. A standout among his accomplishments has been bringing out the best in star athletes, like Mason Sprinkle ’24 and Thoren Berg ’25. Both Sprinkle and Berg earned All-Conference Honorable Mention, a testament to their talent and dedication. Under his guidance, Sprinkle tied the single-season program record for pins with 26, leading the nation. He now ranks among the all-time pin leaders in program history.

With a proven track record of empowering student-athletes to achieve their peak potential and a steadfast dedication to academic excellence, Coach Keating is indeed building a trailblazing program. 

Ready to embrace a thrilling challenge? Prepared to lay the cornerstone of a program from scratch? Then seize the opportunity to step on the mat with the Norwich University women’s wrestling team.

Q&A with Head Coach Keating

What brought you to becoming a coach for your sport?

I’ve been inspired by all the coaches I’ve had over the years and the impact their help and support had on my life. I want to be able to provide that same kind of guidance and encouragement to the next generation of athletes. Wrestling has shaped so much of who I am, and most of the good qualities I have, I owe to the sport. I feel like I have a lifelong debt to wrestling, and coaching is my way of giving back.

What excites you about this sport?

Wrestling excites me because there’s always more to learn and improve. I love how you can take techniques, make them your own, and execute them in a way that plays to your personal strengths. Wrestling has so few limitations. In some sports, you’re limited by how fast or strong you can become, but in wrestling, there’s no ceiling on how well you can refine your technique. There are always ways to highlight your strengths and hide your weaknesses.

What do you enjoy about working with student-athletes?

I love seeing the moment when something 'clicks' for a student-athlete, and they’re able to execute a technique they’ve never been able to hit before. I enjoy working with student-athletes to identify their personal roadblocks and figure out how to overcome them. It’s incredibly satisfying to be part of their growth and progress.

What do you like about coaching at Norwich?

I enjoy coaching at Norwich because of the high standards our student-athletes are held to. They understand the importance of showing up on time and being ready to put in the work. They also have excellent communication skills and know how to advocate for themselves when needed, which makes coaching them a rewarding experience.

Why is Norwich a great place for student-athletes?

Norwich is an excellent place for student-athletes because there are very few outside distractions, and you’re surrounded by people who know what they want in life and are focused on their futures. When I was a young student-athlete at Norwich, I had no idea what I wanted in life or what my future would hold. My teammates were incredibly focused and driven, and their determination inspired me and pulled me along until I was able to figure things out for myself.

What is your approach to coaching?

You have to eat your meat and potatoes before you can have dessert. In wrestling, that means working on the fundamentals first. Once you’ve done that, you can start exploring your own style and approach—your ‘dessert.’ It’s also really important to me that my student-athletes enjoy their time wrestling and focus more on the process and joy of improving rather than just the outcomes.

What is Norwich’s approach to athletics, training, and being on a team?

We love athletes at Norwich. We challenge our student-athletes to strive for more while encouraging them to find balance in their lives. At Norwich, student-athletes have the opportunity to discover what’s most important to them and fully commit to pursuing it. Teammates here support one another and hold each other accountable to meet both team and university standards.