UT TECH WOMEN’S WRESTLING TAKES 4TH AT NATIONALS WITH 4 ALL-AMERICANS AND 2 NATIONAL CHAMPS!

2024 National Collegiate Wrestling Championships – Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, March 14-16, 2024, was a landmark occasion for the UT Tech Women’s Wrestling Team, culminating in a 4th place finish. This achievement marked their best performance to date and showcased their excellence both on the mat and academically. UT Tech emerged with a 4th-place National Finish, four All-Americans, two National Champions, Outstanding Female Wrestler of the Tournament, five Academic All-Americans, and 3rd-place Collegiate Cup (Combined men's and women's performance). Lauren Mills and Tayleigh Robertson emerged as stellar performers, clinching individual championships in their respective weight classes. Carly Neville and Kali Westover also brought home All-American honors.

In the 123 lbs weight class, Lauren Mills claimed the 1st Place National Champion and All-American titles and was honored as the Outstanding Female Wrestler of the Tournament. Her series of victories, culminating in a 33-1 season record, adorned with victories by pin or technical fall in every match at the Conference and National Tournaments, unmatched in the tournament. She Pinned Grider (Louisiana Tech), #8 seed Lastala (Western Washington University), #12 seed Ben-Israel (Central Florida), and Tech Fall 18-1 over #2 seed Kauffman-Temple (Grays Harbor).

Not to be outdone, Tayleigh Robertson's outstanding performance in the 170 lbs category crowned her as a 1st Place National Champion and All-American. Her quick victories, including a notable pin against the top seed, were pivotal moments in the championship, securing 4th place for the team. She defeated Farrer (Texas State), the #5 seed opponent Cortez (Ottowa - Arizona), and Pinned the #1 seed Ka’ahanui (Liberty University) and #2 Seed Bernstein (Washington State) in the Finals.

Competing in the 101 lbs category, Carly Neville showcased her dominance by securing a 3rd-place All-American title. Her victories were decisive, pinning and outmaneuvering highly-seeded competitors. She Pinned #6 seed Kamat (Texas A&M), Major Decision 18-4 #9 seed Youngbird (Colorado State), and Pinned #4 seed Caley Kling (Colorado State) in 1:16.

Kali Westover earned a 6th Place All-American honor in the 130 lbs division, overcoming strong contenders, defeating Irelan (Washington State), and #5 seed Asselin (Liberty University). Her matches were a testament to her competitive spirit, and she left every ounce of effort on the mat.

The team saw strong performances from UT Tech's Ashley Lavarius and Alexa Camacho at 155 lbs, making the top 8 and 12 in the country, respectively. Abbey French and Kendra Juarez demonstrated grit by making the top 16 in the country at 143 lbs and 170 lbs, respectively. Kendra gave up 22 lbs to help the team have more depth in the competition. Their victories against tough opponents were crucial in bolstering the team's score.

Beyond their physical achievements, the UT Tech Women’s Wrestling Team secured five Academic All-American Honors. This recognition underlines the team's commitment to maintaining high academic standards and balancing rigorous training schedules with their studies. The combined Team GPA of 3.26 is a testament to their dedication and hard work. Academic All-American honors went to Carly Neville, Lauren Mills, Kali Westover, Ashley Lavarius, and Kendra Juarez.

UT Tech was awarded 3rd place in the prestigious NCWA Collegiate Cup for combined men’s and women’s teams results in the National Duals, Regional Duals, and the National Championships. The team's victory earlier in the season at the National Duals over the National Duals and National Champions, Grey’s Harbor in a dual meet, the only team in the nation to do so, highlighted that a future National Title is within reach. The team placed 4th at the National Duals.

Under the guidance of coaches Corey Anderson, Jeff Guynn, David Howell, and Kerry Anderson, the UT Tech women's wrestling team has grown into a powerhouse, setting high standards both on and off the mat. Their achievements in the 2024 National Collegiate Wrestling Championships celebrate their success and inspire the next generation of wrestlers coming to UT Tech University.

Also of significant note, at 136 lbs, Anja Hansen, while not a UT Tech student, is a St George, UT native. Competing for Ottawa—Arizona, she became a National Champion and All-American, dominating her opponents throughout the tournament.

The Top 20 Women's Team Standings (62 teams total)

1         Grays Harbor, 158

2         Ottawa – Arizona, 148      

3         Washington State, 82.5

4         Utah Tech, 81

5         Grand Canyon Univerisity, 57.5

6         Central Florida, 50

7         MIT, 45

8         Allen, 44

9         Liberty, 43          

10       Santa Rosa JC, 36

11       Texas A&M, 35.5

12       Lyon, 34

12       Texas, 34

14       UCLA, 29

15       Maine, 27

16       UNLV, 26

17       Fresno State, 24.5

18       Texas State, 24

19       Colorado State, 22
20       Western Washington, 18.5