Photo by: Brendan Saak/Davidson Athletics
Wrestling Finalizes Coaching Staff, Adds Three-Time NCAA Qualifier Prata
10/9/2024 5:00:00 PM | Wrestling
DAVIDSON – Davidson head wrestling coach Nate Carr Jr. has announced the hiring of Joey Prata as an assistant coach for the Wildcats. With the hire, the wrestling program finalizes its coaching staff for the 2024-25 season.
"I am extremely excited to add Joey to our staff," said Carr. "Coach Prata's experience as a wrestler at two recognized powerhouse programs will bring an elite level of expertise and energy for our scholar-athletes and program as a whole."
Prata wrestled at Oklahoma (2021-2023) and Virginia Tech (2016-2021) as a 125-pounder during his collegiate career. Over that time, the Richmond, Va., native complied a 73-45 record, qualified for the NCAA Championships three times and placed at the ACC Championships and Big 12 Championships two times apiece.
In his final two years as a scholar-athlete at OU, Prata twice earned NWCA Scholar All-American honors. He was also voted as the Most Valuable Wrestler and given the Warrior Award by his coaches at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
"I am beyond excited to join the staff here at Davidson," said Prata. "As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I had an overwhelming 'at home' feeling. When I met with everyone in the administration and the support staff, it was evident that we were on the same page, to foster and bring success."
With Prata's hire, the Davidson Wrestling program wraps up its coaching search with the addition of youthful and relevant experience at the Power 5 level. Carr has added Alan Clothier, a four-time NCAA qualifier, and Ike Byers, a local standout who wrestled for SoCon rival App State, and now Prata.
"I'm really looking forward to working with this staff," said Carr. "They're young and eager to make an immediate impact on the future of this program."
Prata shares the same excitement.
"The energy in the room is electric," he said. "The room is full of young and hungry guys, and that's dangerous. It's a combination that builds success, which I am excited to be a part of."
The wrestling team opens official practice tomorrow morning and will start the season in early November.
"I am extremely excited to add Joey to our staff," said Carr. "Coach Prata's experience as a wrestler at two recognized powerhouse programs will bring an elite level of expertise and energy for our scholar-athletes and program as a whole."
Prata wrestled at Oklahoma (2021-2023) and Virginia Tech (2016-2021) as a 125-pounder during his collegiate career. Over that time, the Richmond, Va., native complied a 73-45 record, qualified for the NCAA Championships three times and placed at the ACC Championships and Big 12 Championships two times apiece.
In his final two years as a scholar-athlete at OU, Prata twice earned NWCA Scholar All-American honors. He was also voted as the Most Valuable Wrestler and given the Warrior Award by his coaches at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
"I am beyond excited to join the staff here at Davidson," said Prata. "As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I had an overwhelming 'at home' feeling. When I met with everyone in the administration and the support staff, it was evident that we were on the same page, to foster and bring success."
With Prata's hire, the Davidson Wrestling program wraps up its coaching search with the addition of youthful and relevant experience at the Power 5 level. Carr has added Alan Clothier, a four-time NCAA qualifier, and Ike Byers, a local standout who wrestled for SoCon rival App State, and now Prata.
"I'm really looking forward to working with this staff," said Carr. "They're young and eager to make an immediate impact on the future of this program."
Prata shares the same excitement.
"The energy in the room is electric," he said. "The room is full of young and hungry guys, and that's dangerous. It's a combination that builds success, which I am excited to be a part of."
The wrestling team opens official practice tomorrow morning and will start the season in early November.
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