IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa women’s wrestling standouts Kennedy Blades and Kylie Welker have been named two of five finalists for the USA Wrestling Anthony Maroulis Trophy, USA Wrestling announced on Thursday. The honor is awarded annually to the nation’s top women’s collegiate wrestler.
Blades, a senior at 160 pounds, completed a dominant undefeated season at 19-0. She recorded 12 technical falls and three pins during the regular season and postseason, surrendering just two points all year. She won the NCAA Region V title with four technical falls. Blades powered to the national title for the second straight year with a dominant four-match run, recording a technical fall, a semifinal decision, and two falls, including a pin in the finals to complete her perfect season.
Welker, competing at 180 pounds, also delivered a perfect season only surrendering just two points all year en route to her third consecutive national title (2024–26). She finished 21-0 with 15 technical falls and four pins, adding a Region V championship to her resume. Welker capped her season with a dominant run at the NCAA Championships, securing four bonus-point victories, including two falls and two technical falls.
