Karli Thomas was named the inaugural head coach for the Waynesburg Women’s wrestling team in March 2024.
In her first season with the Yellow Jackets, Waynesburg notched several program milestones. Freshman Faryn Dewitt earned the first victory in program history with a 9-6 decision at East Stroudsburg. Waynesburg hosted its first women's wrestling match against Buffalo State and Bethany with three Jackets winning via pin.
Thomas is an accomplished amateur MMA competitor at several local and regional promotions, including 247 Fighting Championships and Ohio Combat league. She holds 4-2 record in MMA amateur competition.
Thomas holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under coach Isaac Greeley. She captured several tournament titles and medals in jiu-jitsu competitions. Thomas’ MMA grappling style is a hybrid of wrestling and jiu-jitsu and is an active participant in Greeley’s weekly wrestling sessions at The Mat Factory Wrestling Club.
Thomas is a member of the Mat Factory and coached the first season of girl’s wrestling at Kiski Area High School in 2023-24. Kiski Area’s Ava Golding captured the WPIAL’s inaugural 136 pound title and went on to collect PIAA all-state honors with a third-place finish at the state tournament. Thomas oversees the Mat Factory’s Friday evening girl’s wrestling sessions for student-athletes in junior high and high school.
Thomas is a 2017 graduate of Albert Gallatin High School in nearby Fayette county. She played soccer for the Colonials and wrestled throughout junior high.
