Iowa Women's Wrestling Begins Postseason Run at NCAA Region V Qualifier

Top-ranked Hawkeyes send 10 wrestlers to Indianola in pursuit of NCAA Championship berths

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

The top-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes women's wrestling team begins its postseason journey this weekend at the NCAA Region V Qualifier in Indianola, Iowa. Ten Hawkeye wrestlers will compete, with the top three finishers in each weight class earning a spot at next month's inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships.

Why it matters

Iowa is the defending national champion and is seeking its third straight title. The Hawkeyes are sending a strong contingent to the regional qualifier, but will need to overcome injury concerns and a deep field of competitors from other ranked programs in the region to punch their tickets to nationals.

The details

Iowa's lineup includes several wrestlers with postseason experience, as well as some making their debuts. Notable absences include top-ranked 138-pounder Skye Realin, who has been dealing with an injury, and the Hawkeyes will instead turn to junior Lilly Luft in that weight class. Other key Hawkeyes include Nyla Valencia at 110 pounds, who is returning from an ACL injury, and heavyweight Katja Osteen, a transfer making her Iowa debut.

  • The NCAA Region V Qualifier takes place on February 20-21 in Indianola, Iowa.
  • Competition begins at 11:00 a.m. CT each day.

The players

Iowa Women's Wrestling

The defending national champion program, seeking its third straight title.

Clarissa Chun

Head coach of the Iowa women's wrestling team.

Skye Realin

Iowa's top-ranked 138-pounder who has been dealing with an injury and will miss the regional qualifier.

Lilly Luft

Junior wrestler who will compete at 138 pounds in place of the injured Skye Realin.

Nyla Valencia

Iowa's 110-pound wrestler who is returning from an ACL injury.

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