NEWARK, N.J. – Four University of Iowa women’s wrestlers claimed their spot on the 2025 Senior World Championship Team at Final X on Saturday evening at the Prudential Center. Current Hawkeyes, Kennedy Blades and Kylie Welker and Iowa alumni Macey Kilty and Felicity Taylor will all represent the United States at the Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia in September.

At 53 kg, Taylor defeated fellow Hawkeye Brianna Gonzalez in two bouts. Taylor took round one in a close, 2-1, decision. Taylor took the Final X title with a 6-4 decision win in round two of the evening. Gonzalez, as the runner-up is a member of the 2025 senior national team.

At 65 kg, Kilty defeated Aine Drury (New York AC) in the best-of-three series. Kilty dominated both matches winning via technical fall, 10-0. Kilty is now a three-time senior world team member. She previously won bronze in 2024 and silver in 2023.

At 68 kg, Blades defeated Brooklyn Hays (USOPTC/TMWC). The reigning Olympic silver medalist took both matches via decision, 10-4 and 5-2, respectively. This will be Blades’ first senior level world championship.

At 76 kg, Welker defeated a familiar foe in Dymond Guilford (USOPTC/TMWWC) in two rounds. Welker held on in round one defeating Guilford via a, 2-1, decision. In the second bout, they were tied late in the second period when Welker rattled of a series of points to give her the, 9-1, decision win. Welker is now a three-time senior world team member and will be looking for her second medal after winning bronze in 2024.