Leavenworth, Kan.— The University of Saint Mary women's wrestling team enters the 2026–27 season with the same high expectations, a strong returning core, and the belief that this year's squad has the potential to be the best in program history. Under head coach Chuck Kearney, the Spires are looking to build on last season's national success while continuing to establish themselves among the top programs in NAIA women's wrestling.

The Spires open the season ranked No. 19 nationally, according to the 2026 Preseason NAIA Women's Wrestling Coaches' Poll, with four individuals earning national recognition. Three-time NAIA All-American Alexsys Jacquez leads the way at No. 2 in the 103-pound weight class, followed by Destiny Jones at No. 6 at 103 pounds, Amelia Frounfelter at No. 17 at 160 pounds, and newcomer Anna Vogt at No. 16 at 138 pounds.

USM returns two national qualifiers from last season in Jacquez and Jones, who will look to build on a campaign that saw Jacquez add to her All-American resume. The Spires also finished among the top 20 teams at the NAIA National Championships in the 2025-26 season, providing a foundation for another competitive season on the national stage.

Despite those accomplishments, Kearney and his staff are hungry for more. After feeling the team came out flat at last year's conference tournament, the Spires are determined to improve their performance when the stakes are highest. With a talented roster and a renewed focus on preparation, USM believes it has the pieces to make another significant jump.

Jacquez returns as one of the program's most accomplished wrestlers and a key leader in the room. A three-time All-American, Jacquez brings national-level experience and a team-first mentality, consistently encouraging, mentoring, and supporting her teammates. Jones also returns after establishing herself among the nation's top wrestlers last season, finishing in the top 12 nationally and looking to make another run toward All-American status.

Frounfelter is another wrestler to watch as she returns to competition following an ACL injury that cut short her previous season. After earning a No. 5 national ranking last year, she gives the Spires another experienced competitor with the potential to make an impact.

USM's veteran core extends well beyond its nationally recognized standouts. Madison Kalamau, Ka'aulani Hew-Len, Rachel Dismuke, Maci Pearson, Gwen Musser, Allison King, and Talyn Naylor are among the returning wrestlers who have continued to develop within the program. Kearney has been encouraged by the group's growth and the way the team is beginning to really come together as a unit.

The Spires also welcome several additions who could make an immediate impact. Holly Thacher, a four-time high school state champion who redshirted last season, returns eager to begin her collegiate competition career. Freshman Olivia Gardner arrives as a high school state champion and Leavenworth native, while fellow newcomer Madilynn Knight of Lansing continues to make strides as she adjusts to the collegiate level. Transfer Anna Vogt joins USM from Oklahoma City University, bringing another nationally ranked competitor to the lineup.

The transition from high school folkstyle wrestling to collegiate freestyle wrestling presents a learning curve for the newcomers. Kearney and his staff have emphasized helping the underclassmen adapt to the different style while continuing to challenge the entire roster through intense training sessions. According to Kearney, the athletes have responded well to the demands of practice and the expectations being established within the program.

That development is supported by a coaching staff committed to helping the Spires reach their potential. Assistant coach Gabe Blough leads much of the day-to-day work with the women's team as he continues to grow into his role directing the program. Blough, USM's first KCAC champion from his wrestling days as a Spire, has played an important role in developing the women's side.

Graduate assistant Freddy Barajas joins the staff this season after competing for the Spires, bringing firsthand experience as he develops his coaching skills. During his career, Barajas became a three-time KCAC Champion at 133lbs. and a three-time NWCA Academic All-American. He also earned two Top-12 finishes at the NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championships. Head athletic trainer Raeann Bromert continues to provide important operational and administrative support to the wrestling program in a true team effort that continues to land USM wrestling among the best of the best.

Kearney, who has more than 30 years of experience in wrestling including 10 years as head wrestling coach at the University of Oregon has led the Spire women's program since its inception, believes the team's potential is significant. If the Spires can navigate the challenges of a demanding training schedule and the responsibilities of competing as collegiate student-athletes, he sees the possibility of producing four or five All-Americans and finishing among the nation's Top 20 teams.

The program's continued development comes as women's wrestling grows rapidly across the country, with more athletes beginning the sport at younger ages and the level of collegiate competition rising each season. USM is no longer simply helping establish women's wrestling at the collegiate level; the Spires are competing in an increasingly deep and talented national landscape.

With a strong home schedule ahead and the continued impact of the new Spire Training Center, USM has additional opportunities to develop its wrestlers and compete in front of its loyal home fans. The Spires will look to turn their preseason promise into results as they pursue conference success and another run at the national championships.

With returning All-Americans, nationally ranked newcomers, and a coaching staff encouraged by the team's progress, the Spires enter 2026–27 with confidence and unfinished business. Kearney believes this group has the potential to reach new heights, setting the stage for an exciting season of Spire women's wrestling and beyond.
 
Spire wrestling fans, the wait is over. The USM women's squad opens up a thrilling year this Friday, October 30^th at the Falcon Invite in Park City, Kansas with matches beginning at 9 a.m. To listen to Coach Kearney's entire Media Day interview, please visit the Urban Edge Network.