Simpson Duo Qualifies for First Official NCAA Women's Wrestling Championship

Annelise Obermark and Keeley Kehrli will represent Simpson at the inaugural event.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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No. 6 Annelise Obermark and No. 5 Keeley Kehrli secured spots in the first official NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship on Saturday, leading the Simpson College Storm to a fourth-place team finish at the NCAA Region 5 Championships.

Why it matters

This marks a historic milestone for women's wrestling, as the NCAA is hosting its inaugural national championship event. Simpson College's strong performance highlights the growth and increasing competitiveness of women's wrestling at the collegiate level.

The details

Obermark (145) placed second, while Kehrli (160) battled back for third to punch their tickets to nationals. Simpson finished fourth as a team with 119.5 points, just behind No. 9 Quincy with 120.0 points. No. 11 Wartburg placed second with 146.0 points, and No. 1 Iowa earned the team title with 196.5 points.

  • The NCAA Region 5 Championships took place on Saturday.
  • The inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship will be held on March 6-7 in Coralville, Iowa.

The players

Annelise Obermark

A No. 6 ranked wrestler who placed second in the 145-pound weight class at the NCAA Region 5 Championships, qualifying for the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship.

Keeley Kehrli

A No. 5 ranked wrestler who placed third in the 160-pound weight class at the NCAA Region 5 Championships, qualifying for the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship.

Simpson College

The college that Obermark and Kehrli represent, finishing fourth as a team at the NCAA Region 5 Championships.

Quincy University

The team that finished third at the NCAA Region 5 Championships with 120.0 points.

Wartburg College

The team that finished second at the NCAA Region 5 Championships with 146.0 points.

University of Iowa

The team that won the NCAA Region 5 Championships with 196.5 points.

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What’s next

Obermark and Kehrli will represent Simpson at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship on March 6-7 in Coralville, Iowa.

The takeaway

The qualification of Obermark and Kehrli for the first official NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship is a significant milestone for the sport, showcasing the growth and increasing competitiveness of women's wrestling at the collegiate level.