PARK CITY, Kan. – The 2025 NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship concluded on Saturday night at Park City Arena, where ten individual champions were crowned. The finals featured dominant performances, thrilling upsets, and multiple international competitors leaving their mark on NAIA history.

With over 200 competitors across ten weight classes, the championship showcased the growth and depth of talent in NAIA women's wrestling. Life University secured the NAIA team title, extending its dominance on the national stage.

Below are the 2025 NAIA National Champions from each weight class:

Championship Finals Recap

103 pounds – Erin Hikiji (Providence)

After two consecutive runner-up finishes, Hikiji finally broke through, winning her first national championship in her third consecutive finals appearance. She controlled the bout from start to finish, earning an 8-2 decision victory.

110 pounds – Stefana Jelacic (Lourdes)

Jelacic claimed her second straight NAIA title, securing the win 7-3 by decision. The back-to-back champion will now turn her focus to international competition as she prepares to wrestle for the Serbian national team.

117 pounds – Christianah Ogunsanya (William Penn)

Ogunsanya, a freshman sensation, made an immediate impact by capturing her first NAIA title. Representing the Nigerian national team, she showcased her international experience, earning a 5-3 decision victory in a highly competitive final.

124 pounds – Cristelle Rodriguez (Doane)

Rodriguez cemented her place in NAIA history, winning her second consecutive national title. She earned a 5-5 decision and won on criteria. Rodriguez was also named the 2025 NAIA Women’s Wrestler of the Year for her outstanding season.

131 pounds – Jumoke Adekoye (Dickinson State)

In one of the biggest surprises of the night, freshman Jumoke Adekoye captured her first NAIA championship. Adekoye, who also wrestles for the Nigerian national team, displayed elite-level talent, securing a hard-fought decision victory.

138 pounds – Zaynah McBryde (Life)

McBryde, one of three sisters competing in the national championship finals for Life University, won her first national title as a junior. She dominated the final with a 10-0 technical fall, never allowing her opponent an opportunity to score.

145 pounds – Esther Kolawole (William Penn)

Kolawole, a freshman standout from Nigeria, showcased why she is one of the brightest young stars in NAIA wrestling. She claimed the national title with a 9-2 decision victory, adding another championship to the growing success of Nigerian wrestlers in NAIA competition.

160 pounds – Latifah McBryde (Life)

McBryde, the second of three McBryde sisters to win a national title on Saturday, earned a 9-1 decision victory. The junior secured her first NAIA championship, continuing Life University’s dominance on the national stage.

180 pounds – Ashley Lekas (Texas Wesleyan)

Lekas capped off a dominant tournament run with a first-period fall in the finals. Her aggressive style and ability to finish matches quickly made her one of the standout performers of the tournament.

207 pounds – Savannah Isaac (Life)

Isaac, a freshman, made an impressive debut at the national championship, securing a first-time title victory. She displayed elite positioning and control, earning a 7-2 decision victory in the finals.

Championship Saturday Summary

Unseeded Wrestlers Who Made Championship Runs

• Jannell Avila (Baker, 180 pounds) – Avila entered the tournament unseeded and pulled off multiple upsets before falling in the semifinals.
• Allyssa Johnson (Jamestown, 160 pounds) – Johnson’s underdog run ended in the semifinals, but she secured a podium finish with a strong showing in the consolation rounds.

With Life University dominating the team standings, the NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship once again demonstrated the growth and global impact of NAIA women's wrestling, with multiple international competitors winning national titles.

Final Team Standings (Top 5)

Life – 190.5
Grand View – 120.5
Cumberlands – 116.5
William Penn – 114.0
Missouri Valley – 101.5

For more information on NAIA Women’s Wrestling and all NAIA athletics, visit NAIA.org.