A huge thanks for the work that the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) office does by providing coaches polls and season previews. It is great to see the excellent support of Womens and Mens wrestling by the A-R-C office. The A-R-C is leading the nation for NCAA DIII conferences to help rapidly grow the sport and opportunities for Women.
In 2026 Coe College is launching their Womens wrestling program (Click on our story link). That will add another Iowa Program with a Women’s program. Womens’ wrestling this year becomes a NCAA Championship sport this year, which is huge for the sport.
Release from the A-R-C on October 16th is below.
The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has announced its 2025-26 Women’s Wrestling Preseason Coaches’ Poll, with Wartburg College earning the top spot as the league enters a milestone season for the sport.
Women’s wrestling officially becomes the 91st NCAA championship sport this year, marking the first time student-athletes will compete for an NCAA National Collegiate Championship right in the backyard of many programs in Coralville, Iowa. The A-R-C, which has been instrumental in the growth of women’s wrestling, features seven programs ready to make history in this inaugural NCAA season.
Saturday, November 1 is the first time programs will take to the mats. All seven A-R-C teams will be in action split between the Luther Hill Invitational and the Pointer Open.
| 2025-26 American Rivers Conference Women’s Wrestling Preseason Coaches’ Poll | ||
| Place | Team (First-place votes) | Points |
| 1. | Wartburg (5) | 35 |
| 2. | Simpson (1) | 29 |
| 3. | Univ. of Dubuque (1) | 27 |
| 4. | Buena Vista | 20 |
| 5. | Central | 16 |
| 6. | Loras | 12 |
| 7. | Luther | 8 |
Wartburg College enters the 2025-26 campaign atop the A-R-C preseason poll, bringing back a wealth of experience and championship-caliber depth under third-year head coach Brady Kyner. The Knights return standout wrestlers Carissa Hersom, Afftynn Stusse, Liannette Ortiz, Leah Chandler, Kylie Rule, Aniyah Kelly, May Prado, Ellie Poulette, and Rewa Chababo, among others, as they look to continue building momentum into the first NCAA Championship season.
“We are excited for the upcoming year as we head into the first NCAA Championship!” said Kyner.
Simpson College returns one of the most complete rosters in the conference with several all-conference performers leading the way. The Storm bring back an impressive group including Gracie Waage, Sarah Zimmerman, Jalynn Goodale, Dionni Garcia-Vasquez, Paige Gershmel, Annelise Obermark, Noa Arnold, Keeley Kehrli, Breanna Wier, Jenna Joseph, and Morgan Miller. With both depth and leadership, Simpson is primed to challenge at the top of the conference standings once again under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Jeff McGinness.
The University of Dubuque Spartans return a strong core of experienced competitors including Shea Reisel, Mattie Papenthien, Alex Hofrichter, Argelis Hernandez, Brianna Seixas, Tatum Levendahl, and Chrissy True. With all-conference returners leading the lineup, UD looks poised to make a strong push in both the conference and national landscape.
“We are excited to have a full roster this year,” noted Hall. “We also look forward to competing in the first inaugural NCAA season.”
Buena Vista University continues its climb under head coach Paige Storm, returning a solid lineup of seasoned competitors. Veterans Harley Tobin, Shania Graybill, Kayeleigh Bowden, Daynia Werner, Stephanie Sorsby, and Magalie Mogiga bring both experience and leadership.
“It is an honor to lead this exceptional group of student-athletes into their second year of official conference competition,” said Storm. “We have a strong group of experienced individuals returning and have welcomed a promising class of newcomers with the potential to make an immediate impact. This year marks a significant step forward in the continued development of our program and the growth of women’s wrestling within the A-R-C.”
New leadership and renewed energy headline the Central College program under Jaime Miranda, who takes over in his first season at the helm. The Dutch return Madelynn Rowson, Esther Belzer, and Aniya Coleman, a trio expected to lead the team into a new era.
“We’re grateful to be part of the American Rivers Conference,” said Miranda. “There is so much opportunity for great competition and support for our sport. Central College Women’s Wrestling is ready to compete, grow, and help push women’s wrestling forward in Iowa.”
In his first season leading the Loras College Duhawks, Jeren Glosser looks to blend returning talent with promising newcomers to establish a strong foundation. Key returners Alyssa Seippel, Bailey Welu, Kylie Loffer, and AvaBlue McDermott bring experience to a roster eager to compete in the A-R-C.
“I am very excited to be building our women’s wrestling program at Loras College!” said Glosser. “We bring experience and some new faces that are looking forward to competing in the always tough A-R-C conference!”
This year marks the inaugural season of women’s wrestling at Luther College, with Ryan Timmerman leading the Norse. The program begins a new chapter in Decorah that looks to establish a lasting culture.
“I am very excited to finally get rolling with this great group of student athletes, it’s been a long time coming!” wrote Timmerman. “Building a strong culture encompassing our values is going to go a long way to creating a successful team now and in the future; not only on the mat, but throughout every aspect of their lives. Although this will be our first and only year competing in the A-R-C, we want to leave a legacy of a program that develops great people!”
As always, we appreciate your comments and support.
