Life Repeats As NAIA Women's Wrestling Champions
The Life University Women’s Wrestling team won its second straight NAIA title — but it took a monster consolation round to do it. The Running Eagles bested runner-up William Penn by 11. 5 points, but the Statesmen applied pressure throughout.
Life clinched the title entering the finals with a 27. 5-point lead, but William Penn proved why it's dangerous by going four-for-four in the finals, including two falls and a tech. Mia Palumbo (110), Christianah Ogunsanya (117), Esther Kolawole (138), and Piper Fowler (180) won titles for the Statesmen.
Life also sent four to the finals, but Jamilah McBryde’s 145-pound win was the only individual title for the team champions. Salyna Shotwell (117), Olivia Mottley (131), and Zaynah McBryde (138) finished second. "This championship is a testament to the athletes' commitment to love, honor, and joy," Life coach Ashley Flavin said.
"This team is special, and their impact on the sport of women's wrestling will be felt forever. " Flavins For Life: National Tournament Results Year Tournament Place 2018 WCWA Championships 13th 2019 All-Division National Duals 7th 2019 WCWA Championships 12th 2019 NAIA Championships 7th 2020 NAIA National Duals 3rd 2020 WCWA Championships 2nd 2021 NAIA Championships 2nd 2022 NAIA National Duals 1st 2022 NAIA Championships 4th 2023 NAIA National Duals 3rd 2023 NAIA Championships 2nd 2024 NAIA National Duals 1st 2024 NAIA Championships 2nd 2025 NAIA National Duals 1st 2025 NAIA Championships 1st 2026 NAIA National Duals 1st 2026 NAIA Championships 1st Tournament Highlights — The finals started at 110 and ended at 103 through a random draw. — Erin Hikiji of Providence (103) and Mia Palumbo (110) concluded their college careers as four-time NAIA finalists, finishing 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st.
— Nigeria crowned four champions: Ogunsanya and Kolawole, Jumoke Adekoye of Dickinson State (131), and Mercy Adekuoroye of Wayland Baptist (160). It was the second title won by Ogunsanya, Kolawole, and Adekoye. Adekuoroye won her first title after finishing third in 2025.
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