The 2026-27 SLIAC women's wrestling season starts on Sunday, November 1st and culminates with the conference championship on Saturday, February 12th. Schreiner University is the three-time defending conference champion and will have six other programs looking to unseat them in 2026-27. Below is a team-by-team look at each of the program's for the upcoming season.
BLACKBURN COLLEGE - HEAD COACH MARCUS COBBS
This marks the inaugural season for the Blackburn women's program. Head Coach Marcus Cobbs will be looking to build a culture from scratch and that begins with 160 pounder Maya Bennett. Alexis Avis-Labus (110) was a three-time state placer in New Mexico while Danita Palmore will compete at 117 pounds.
EUREKA COLLEGE - HEAD COACH ERIC BIEHL
Head Coach Eric Biehl is excited about this year's team with the returning wrestlers from last year's 3rd place team, a strong incoming class, and the return of a pair of wrestlers that missed time due to injuries. Madison Farris headlines the list of returners after a bronze at 180 pounds. Tayla Phillips (207) is a former conference champion and is joined by the return of multiple time All-Conference wrestlers Kyley Bair and Natalie Tobuk, who both sat out last year. The list of new faces to watch starts with Saoirse Cook, a three-time Alaska state champion and nationally ranked at 131 pounds. Lindsey Pugh (124) and Madison Raper (160) were state qualifiers while Jazlinn Diaz-Avalos (145) and Lily Bridges (160) both placed at state.
HUNTINGDON COLLEGE - JONATHAN ZAFRA
This year will mark four years for the Hawk program, giving senior Angie Kneep to cap her career after an 18 win season last year. Aniyah Griffin is the reigning 180 pound champion and recorded 31 wins last season, the third most in the conference. Brooke Madden (110) and Arie Bacon (145) also grabbed gold last year while Jordan Epstein (103), Aniyah Baker (110), Chloe Parets (117), Jolene Walls (138) are all silver medalists. Head Coach Matt Oliver brings in a talented group of freshmen including Haven Saxon (124), Annabella Harris (138), and Madisyn Fuller (145).
LYON COLLEGE - HEAD COACH EMMA DE BRUM
The Scots placed 4th at last year's championship and this year head coach Emma de Brum will have a young program. Sidney Milligan, who was All-Conference in 2025, returns this season to anchor the squad at 165 pounds. Transfer Kori Davidson will provide experience while freshmen Mallary Flory and Madyson Doane will look to make their mark.
MCMURRY UNIVERSITY - HEAD COACH ANDY GARZA
The War Hawks welcome in a new head coach in Andy Garza, who steps into a program that has eight returners and five freshmen. Kailyn Bridges (110) led the team with 15 wins last season, 12 by pin. Alexis Schmotzer (131) took silver at last year's championship and is joined by fellow returners Adriana Azuara (145) and Brandie Brown (138). The incoming class features state qualifiers in Haley Castro (117) and Camila Bravao (145) as well as sectional qualifier Chloe Dickerson (138).
SCHREINER UNIVERSITY - HEAD COACH TROY JEWELL
The Mountaineers are loaded once again with eight medalists coming back including SLIAC Wrestler of the Year Jania Dunigan. Dunigan is coming off a season in which she set conference records for wins in a season, pins in a season, and career pins. The 131 pound grappler went 48-9 last season, winning her second straight conference gold. Other gold medalists coming back are Mia Brown (110), Jacey Kuntz (124), Joy Jackson (138), Alexis Bailey (160), and Faith Macharia (180). The program welcomes in transfer Graciela Jaurez (138) and a group of freshmen.
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE - HEAD COACH RAENA SCHLEDWITZ
Head Coach Raena Schledwitz worked hard to fill our her lineup this year, bringing in eight newcomers. They will join the lone returner from last year Emilie Medlock, who competed at 180 pounds. The list of newcomers includes five freshmen and three transfers. One to watch is freshman Paige Tihen, a two-time Missouri state placer.