MSU Cycling Duo Finds Winning Formula in Friendship

Wrightsman and Kasza-James turn rivalry into collaborative strength, fueling MSU's success

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Midwestern State University (MSU) Cycling is making waves in the South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference, with sophomores Gabrielle Wrightsman and Emma Kasza-James leading the charge. The two former rivals from Wisconsin have found a unique balance as teammates and friends, pushing each other to excel and delivering impressive results, including Wrightsman's Omnium win and Kasza-James' road race victory at the College Station event.

Why it matters

The story of Wrightsman and Kasza-James highlights the power of camaraderie and collaboration in collegiate sports, where fierce competition can be transformed into a strategic advantage. Their journey also showcases the appeal of MSU Cycling, which has attracted international talent like Erich Kohlberg and fostered a strong sense of community.

The details

Wrightsman and Kasza-James were rivals long before joining MSU, but now they've found a unique balance as teammates and friends. Their dynamic has already yielded impressive results, with Wrightsman winning the Omnium at College Station and Kasza-James securing the road race victory at the same event. Wrightsman's ambitions extend beyond conference success, as she sees a significant advantage in the national championships being held in her home state of Wisconsin.

  • Wrightsman won the criterium race at the Kwik Trip Tour of America's Dairyland last June.
  • The national championships are returning to Madison, Wisconsin in 2026.

The players

Gabrielle Wrightsman

A sophomore geosciences major at Midwestern State University and a member of the MSU Cycling women's team.

Emma Kasza-James

A sophomore and the other member of the MSU Cycling women's team, Wrightsman's teammate and friend.

Erich Kohlberg

A Business Management major from Bolivia who is a new member of the MSU Cycling team, highlighting the program's appeal to international students.

Mario Arroyave

The Director of the MSU Cycling program, who credits the team's success to focused execution.

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What they’re saying

“Nationals are in Madison, Wisconsin, so it'll be home territory to me.”

— Gabrielle Wrightsman

“I just really like being in an area where pretty much everyone around me bikes. At home, I was pretty much the only one in my town.”

— Gabrielle Wrightsman

“Coach made me sense comfortable and gave me confidence to reach great goals in future races.”

— Erich Kohlberg, Business Management major

“The team came into College Station knowing that the (Texas A&M) Aggies would be in full force…but we were able to stay focused and execute on what we needed to do to perform at a high level.”

— Mario Arroyave, MSU Cycling Director

“She knows a lot about what I'm doing and can predict a lot about what I'm going to do, and I know a lot about what she's going to do.”

— Emma Kasza-James

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.