NC United’s Women’s College Prospect Rankings highlight North Carolina’s top high school women’s wrestling prospects in the class of 2026. This list identifies the state’s top juniors, reflecting the continued growth of women’s wrestling in North Carolina through high school and club programs.
Understanding the Significance of the United Prospect List
The NC United College Prospect Rankings are designed to recognize top wrestling talent in North Carolina. The athletes on this list have demonstrated
- College Open participation (age-appropriate) – While it’s rare for sophomores to compete in college opens, those who do and have success demonstrate readiness for the level of competition.
- Performance at national competitions – We look at results from events such as NHSCA Nationals, Super 32, Fargo, Journeymen, and UCD.
- Beating nationally ranked opponents – Top prospects are consistently achieving quality wins against ranked wrestlers, proving their readiness for the next step.
- Quality of wins during the high school season – Strong in-season performance, especially against tough competition, is key in identifying future stars.
These rankings serve as a resource for college coaches, helping to streamline the recruitment process by highlighting North Carolina’s top women’s wrestling prospects and providing insight into college wrestling recruitment and women’s wrestling scholarships.
Class of 2026 Standout Athletes
Faith Bane | New Bern High School | 145lbs.
Faith Bane has established herself as one of the top high school wrestlers in the country, earning a national ranking of #17 by USA Wrestling. She captured the 2024 state championship and was a national finalist at the 2024 NHSCA tournament. Competing against collegiate-level talent, Bane placed third at the 2023 Women’s Trojan Open (College Open) and earned All-American honors at NHSCA in 2023. Her achievements highlight her dominance at the high school level and her ability to compete against top-tier opponents beyond her age group.
Iyana Crawford | Purnell Swett High School | 132
Iyana Crawford has proven her ability to compete at an elite level, with strong performances against nationally ranked opponents. She was the runner-up at the Women’s Trojan Open (College Open), where she secured a victory over a nationally ranked college wrestler (#13). Additionally, she holds wins over other nationally ranked competitors, including the #29-ranked wrestler. Crawford’s success against top talent underscores her potential as a collegiate prospect.
Zainab Hijawi | South Central High School | 107 lbs.
Zainab Hijawi has demonstrated her skill on the national stage with strong performances at USA Girls Midwest Nationals. She placed fifth in the 16U division and finished as the runner-up in the Junior division, showcasing her ability to compete at multiple age levels. Additionally, she secured multiple wins at the Women’s Trojan Open (College Open), proving she can hold her own against more experienced competition. Her accomplishments make her a standout in North Carolina’s growing women’s wrestling scene.
Class of 2026 Women’s Wrestling Prospect List
The following list is organized in alphabetical order by the athlete’s name.
| Name | Weight | High School |
| Alicia Reyes | 107 | Hendersonville |
| Alijah Christansen | 235 | Ashley |
| Bailey Nimer | 120 | Mount Pleasant |
| Clear Wesley | 185 | A.L Brown |
| Destiny Fidel | 132 | East Rutherford |
| Faith Bane | 145 | New Bern |
| Hannah Carty | 120 | Willow Spring |
| Isabella Hernandez | 126 | Jack Britt |
| Iyanna Crawford | 132 | Purnell Sweat |
| Jada Lebron | 138 | Hoke County |
| Jenecy Olalde | 100 | Mount Airy |
| Jiselle Riley | 126 | Panther Creek |
| Kaylah Evans | 152 | Bandys |
| Keira Rosenmarkle | 165 | Seaforth |
| Kimberly Talton | 235 | Madison |
| Latia Williams | 152 | Scotland County |
| Leslie Bqrden | 235 | Laney |
| Lilyann Blair | 126 | Union Pines |
| Madelyn Korvink | 132 | Parkwood |
| Stephanie Diaz Mendoza | 152 | Riverside |
| Zainab Hijawi | 107 | South Central |
The Path to College Wrestling: Commitment to Freestyle and National Competition
Competing at the collegiate level requires more than just success in high school wrestling. Athletes must embrace Freestyle wrestling and actively test themselves against top competition on the national stage. This high school to college wrestling transition is crucial for development and recruitment opportunities. Tournaments such as Fargo Nationals, Super 32, Women’s National Championships & World Team Trials, Journeymen Classic, Southeast Regionals, National Duals, and Ultimate Duals provide the experience and exposure necessary for college recruitment. Wrestlers who consistently compete in these events gain valuable mat time, face elite opponents, and develop the skills needed to succeed at the next level.
The athletes on this list are helping drive the growth of women’s wrestling in North Carolina. Their success at the state, regional, and national levels reflects the depth of talent in the state and the expanding opportunities at the collegiate level. With several already committed to college programs, this group is setting the standard for future wrestlers and reinforcing North Carolina as a strong pipeline for competitive and dedicated athletes.
