McKendree Makes NCAA History as First Women’s Wrestling National Champion

Bearcats win inaugural NCAA title with three individual champions and 10 All-Americans

(LEBANON, Ill., March 11, 2026) — McKendree University has made NCAA history.

On Saturday, March 7, the Bearcats became the first program ever to win an NCAA women’s wrestling team championship, capturing the inaugural national title in Coralville, Iowa. McKendree finished with 171 team points to edge the University of Iowa, which placed second with 166.

Women’s wrestling had previously been sponsored by NCAA institutions and was part of the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program beginning in 2020, but 2026 marked the first year the NCAA conducted an official championship in the sport. The milestone marked a historic moment not only for McKendree but also for one of the fastest-growing women’s sports in collegiate athletics.

“This is an extraordinary moment for McKendree University and a proud day for our entire campus community,” said Daniel C. Dobbins, president of McKendree University. “To become the first program ever to win an NCAA women’s wrestling national championship is a historic achievement that reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, the leadership of our coaches, and the strength of a university committed to pursuing excellence. This team has secured a permanent place in NCAA history, and we could not be more proud to celebrate that accomplishment.”

McKendree’s team title was driven by standout performances throughout the tournament. In addition to winning the overall team championship, three Bearcats — Yu Sakamoto at 117 pounds, Cameron Guerin at 131 pounds, and Tristan Kelly at 207 pounds — captured individual NCAA titles in their weight classes. Five McKendree wrestlers reached the finals, nine advanced to the semifinals, and 10 earned All-America honors. Head coach Alexio Garcia was named National Tournament Coach of the Year.

“It took everybody doing the little things right,” said Garcia. “This team believed in the process, stayed together through every part of the season, and earned this moment. To win the first NCAA women’s wrestling championship with this group is incredibly special, and I’m proud of the way they competed for each other all weekend.”

For McKendree, the title represents the culmination of more than a decade of commitment to women’s wrestling. The university launched its women’s wrestling program in 2013-14 and has long been recognized as one of the sport’s national leaders. With women’s wrestling recently elevated from the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program to official NCAA championship status, McKendree now holds a permanent place in the sport’s history.

“McKendree recognized early the opportunity women’s wrestling presented — not only to support the growth of the sport, but to also create new opportunities for student-athletes,” said Anthony Francis, McKendree University director of athletics. “To see that long-term commitment result in the first NCAA women’s wrestling national championship is incredibly meaningful for our university. This team represents the standard we strive for in athletics — competitive excellence, strong leadership, and the ability to rise to the moment on the biggest stage.”

McKendree’s NCAA championship comes at a time of rapid national growth for women’s wrestling. In 2024-25, 95 NCAA schools reported sponsoring the sport, with more than 1,700 student-athletes competing nationwide.

To learn more about McKendree University and Bearcat Athletics, visit www.mckendree.edu.

 

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