Three Women’s Wrestlers Compete at NAIA Nationals

WICHITA, Kan. – Mackenzie Gilbert, Niah Smith, and Skyler Bruno competed in the 4^th Annual NAIA Women's Wrestling National Championship on March 13, 2026 in Wichita, Kansas.

At 103, Gilbert wrestled Erin Hikiji of Providence (who would go on to win first place in the weight class) and lost by tech fall (10-0). She received a bye before her next match against Calli Connally of Wayland Baptist. Connally won by tech fall (10-0).

At 145, Smith won her first match in a 9-4 decision against Corin Lowe of Oklahoma City. She fell in a 9-4 decision in her second match to Kori Campbell of Lindsey Wilson (who would go on to place third in the weight class). Smith wrestled Hayden Newberg of Indiana Tech and lost by tech fall (10-0).

At 207, in Bruno's first contest, she lost by fall in 1:56 to Jessica Rodriguez of Doane. She received a bye before her next match against Faith Wooley of Wayland Baptist. Wooley won via fall in 1:59.

The Warriors finished the season with a dual record of 3-3 and placed in the top six spots at five tournaments. In two of the tournaments, wrestlers in three weight classes finished in 2^nd place (Battle at the Helmet: 131, 138, and 160; GPAC Championships: 103, 145, and 160).