Joey Palmer wrestling in the semifinals of the U.S. Open (Photo/Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.com)COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- University of Maryland head wrestling coach Alex Clemson announced the addition of three-time NCAA qualifier Joey Palmer to his staff as a volunteer assistant coach on Wednesday.
A native of Covington, Wash., Palmer helped lead Oregon State to a second-place finish in the Pac-12 as the Beavers' volunteer assistant, while also producing five NCAA qualifiers for the 2017-18 season.
"I'm really excited to complete my staff with the addition of Joey," head coach Alex Clemsen said. "Joey recently took third at the U.S. Open and I know that he wants to continue to compete at an extremely high level. Having that mindset and work ethic on display everyday inside the Mark A. Andersen Wrestling Room will be priceless."
Palmer was a three-time NCAA qualifier and Pac-12 champion at 133 pounds while a member of the Oregon State wrestling program, in addition to being a two-time Pac-12 Conference All-Academic selection. In his senior season, he went 3-2 at the NCAA Championships, just missing All-American honors. Palmer won the 133 pound Pac-12 Championship his senior year, and finished his collegiate career with an 88-48 record. Most recently, Palmer finished third at the U.S. Open in the senior men's division and qualified for the 2019 World Team Trials.
"Joey wants to coach and help our athletes get better in every facet of their lives," Clemsen said. "That's what excited me the most about him and the way he can help us build Maryland Wrestling and jump start Turtle Power. Lastly, Joey has his master's degree and really values education. Coaching at one of the premier academic institutions in America, he can help our young men navigate the rigors of being a true student-athlete."
Palmer received his undergraduate degree from Oregon State in 2017 with a degree in Human Development/Family Science paired with Education, and received his Master's Degree in Special Education in 2019 while teaching English and academic skills for special education students at Tahoma High School.
During his prep years, Palmer was a two-time Washington 4A state champion, and a member of the 4A State Championship team at Tahoma High School.
The addition of Joey Palmer rounds out head coach Alex Clemsen's coaching staff alongside assistants Nick Brascetta and Devin Mellon, whose hires were announced in late May.
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