Presbyterian College Women’s Wrestling Poised for Breakout Season as NCAA Sponsorship Begins
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Presbyterian College’s women’s wrestling team, currently ranked #5 nationally, begins a highly anticipated season this Saturday with a trio of dual matches against Newberry, Allen, and Huntingdon at Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, South Carolina. The program enters a new era as the NCAA officially sponsors women’s wrestling, promising increased visibility for the rapidly growing sport.
A Program on the Rise
Expectations are exceptionally high for the Blue Hose, who return a roster boasting nearly all 14 national qualifiers from the previous season. Last winter, Presbyterian College achieved a 14-4 dual record and secured a 6th-place finish at the national tournament. “This team has the potential to go all the way,” a senior official stated, reflecting the confidence surrounding the program. Saturday’s competition marks the first time in program history Presbyterian will face Newberry in a dual, while they hold a 3-0 record against both Allen and Huntingdon.
Saturday’s Schedule
The action kicks off at 2:00 PM with a match against Newberry, followed by a contest against Allen at 2:45 PM. The day concludes with a 6:00 PM dual against Huntingdon. Live results will be available via Track Wrestling.
Scouting the Competition and a Changing Landscape
This season marks a pivotal moment for women’s wrestling with the NCAA’s official sponsorship. This development is expected to elevate the sport’s profile and attract more athletes. Newberry is competing in its second season, while Allen is entering its third. Presbyterian has historically dominated Allen and Huntingdon, winning by an average margin of 37 points. Two years ago, the Blue Hose defeated Huntingdon 47-0, and last season they secured a 36-10 victory in Alabama. Their previous match against Allen resulted in a decisive 38-8 win.
Spring 2025 Recap: A Foundation for Success
The Blue Hose enjoyed a remarkable spring 2025, claiming the Southeast Regional Championship and earning six All-American honors, with half of those accolades awarded to true freshmen. Carina Giangeruso, a rookie at the time, led the team with a 4th-place finish in the 138-pound class and a 33-5 record.
Remarkably, all six All-Americans – including Paige Wehrmeister, Maddie Kubicki, May Cuyler, Mary Aiono, and Chloe Dearwester – are returning for the 2025-26 season, fueling aspirations for a national title. The team amassed an impressive 435 combined victories last season, with 174 wins coming by way of pin, including a combined 32 pins from Aiono and Kubicki. Presbyterian also demonstrated its strength by defeating seven nationally-ranked opponents and securing nine gold or silver medals at the Southeast Region bracket.
Seven Grapplers Ranked in the Top Ten
Adding to the program’s momentum, Presbyterian boasts seven wrestlers ranked within the individual top ten in their respective weight classes:
- (So.) Chloe Dearwester – No. 7 – Class 110
- (Jr.) Alyssa Mahan – No. 6 – Class 124
- (So.) Carina Giangeruso – No. 3 – Class 138
- (Jr.) Maddie Kubicki – No. 4 – Class 145
- (So.) May Cuyler – No. 4 – Class 160
- (Jr.) Henlee Haynes – No. 4 – Class 180
- (So.) Mary Aiono – No. 3 – Class 207
These rankings reflect the team’s dedication and the high level of competition within the program. .
The Presbyterian College women’s wrestling team is poised for a landmark season, fueled by returning talent, a strong coaching staff, and the exciting new landscape of NCAA-sponsored women’s wrestling.
