Welker named NCAA Women's Wrestler of the Year

Kylie Welker of the University of Iowa has been named as the 2024 NCAA Women’s Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat.

Welker led Iowa to the NCWWC and National Duals titles in the first year of competition for the program.

Welker defeated three-time national champion and 2023 USA Wrestling Women’s College Wrestler of the Year Yelena Makoyed of North Central College 11-3 in the last match at National Duals to win the team title.

The team title was also decided in the last match of the NCWWC finals when Welker defeated Makoyed by an 11-0 tech fall at 170 to give the Hawks the national team title..

Welker scored the most points for the Hawks at NCWWC with 28.5 points.

Welker, originally from Franksville, Wisconsin (Waterford Union HS), was the first recruit to commit to the Iowa Women’s Wrestling program. She was a 2021 Junior World champion, 2021 U23 World Bronze medalist, and placed 10th at the 2021 Senior World Championships.

Welker placed fourth at the 2024 Olympic Team Trials at 76kg to become a member of the United State National Senior Team for the third time in her career.