SSG Iris Smith

Wrestling Coach

Sport: Women's Wrestling

Position: Assistant Freestyle Coach

Hometown: Albany, GA

High School: Dougherty High

Joined Army: October 2001

MOS: 88M, Motor Transport Operator

Iris’s brother was on the high school wrestling team, and his coach saw them horsing around after a tournament. He noticed her grappling skills, and told her mom Iris belonged on the wrestling mat. “Wrestling has been part of my life every day since,” says Iris. During her wrestling career, she racked up US National Championships, University National Championship titles, World Freestyle Wrestling Championships, and many other awards. As a team assistant coach, she now focuses on passing on her hard-won lessons to new WCAP wrestlers.

My mother always taught me to follow my dreams – and no matter what to always fight for what’s right and for those who can’t fight for themselves.

Career Highlights

6x U.S. National Champion (Freestyle)
3x University National Champion (Freestyle)

2010

Military World Wrestling Champion (Freestyle)
2005

World Wrestling Champion (Freestyle)