The University of Iowa women’s wrestling team made history at the 2025 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Tournament in Coralville, clinching their second consecutive team title with a stellar performance. Led by three national champions and 15 All-Americans, the Hawkeyes showcased their dominance on the mats, earning a total of 201.5 points to secure the coveted team championship.
Champions Crowned
The standout performances of Macey Kilty, Kennedy Blades, and Kylie Welker shone brightly at the tournament, with each wrestler claiming a national title in their respective weight classes. Kilty, ranked first in the 145-pound division, overcame North Central’s Bella Mir in a hard-fought battle, emerging victorious with a score of 7-2. With this win, Kilty wrapped up her remarkable season undefeated at 28-0, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Meanwhile, at 160 pounds, top-ranked Kennedy Blades continued her impressive run by defeating second-ranked Kaylynn Albrecht of McKendree in the title match with a commanding first-period tech. fall victory of 10-0. Blades, with a flawless 25-0 record for her first collegiate season, showcased her exceptional talent and determination on her path to glory.
In the 180-pound finals, first-ranked Kylie Welker demonstrated her prowess by swiftly dispatching second-ranked Sabrina Nauss from Grand Valley State with a dominant tech. fall victory in just 58 seconds. Welker’s triumph not only secured her back-to-back national titles but also marked her as a standout performer in the program’s rich history. The redshirt sophomore concluded the season with a perfect 27-0 record, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in women’s wrestling.
Coach’s Perspective and Team Achievements
Head Coach Clarissa Chun, the driving force behind the Hawkeyes’ success, commended her team for their resilience and dedication in the face of intense pressure and demanding schedules. “They deal with a lot of pressures, and we do a great job being able to manage such vigorous schedules, academic schedules, alongside the training schedule,” said Chun. Her words underscored the tight-knit bond and unwavering support system that the team embodies, fostering an environment of camaraderie and mutual growth.
Notable achievements and statistics further highlighted the Hawkeyes’ exceptional performance at the tournament. Iowa led the competition in tech. falls, securing 29 victories in the shortest amount of time, a testament to their skill and efficiency on the mats. The team also amassed the most total match points, with a remarkable tally of 437, showcasing their offensive prowess and strategic acumen in each bout.
Individually, Nanea Estrella stood out with the most total match points in the tournament, amassing a total of 70 points and displaying her offensive prowess and tactical brilliance. Kennedy Blades’ stellar performance earned her the title of the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler, a well-deserved accolade for her exceptional achievements and contributions to the team’s success. Additionally, Kylie Welker’s remarkable performance tied her for the most team points in the tournament, underlining her invaluable impact on the Hawkeyes’ triumph.
In closing, the University of Iowa women’s wrestling team’s triumph at the 2025 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Tournament was a testament to their unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and unbreakable spirit. As they celebrated their second consecutive team title and the outstanding achievements of their individual wrestlers, the Hawkeyes solidified their legacy as a powerhouse in women’s collegiate wrestling, inspiring future generations of athletes to reach for new heights in the sport.
