Iron Sharpens Iron: NC United Gold’s Inaugural 2025 Practice Sets the Standard High
The mats at Greensboro College buzzed with energy this past Sunday, April 27th, as NC United Gold held its first women’s freestyle practice of 2025. This wasn’t just another wrestling session; it was the dawn of a statewide hub designed to elevate female wrestlers at every stage of their journey – from ambitious high schoolers to seasoned college athletes and those with international aspirations.
NC United Gold’s core philosophy, “iron sharpens iron,” was palpable in the wrestling room. The practice brought together a diverse group of talented athletes, including folkstyle national and state champions alongside promising up-and-coming wrestlers. What made this inaugural session truly special was the active participation of current collegiate stars, who not only honed their freestyle skills but also stepped into mentorship roles, embodying the program’s commitment to shared growth.
Collegiate Athletes
Halie Misplay
A Fargo All-American and NCAA Academic All-American for the 2024/25 season, currently serving as a Student Assistant Coach. Her experience at the highest levels of collegiate wrestling provides invaluable guidance to aspiring athletes. // Halie Misplay
Kyra Tomlinson
An NCAA Qualifier and Academic All-American, Kyra’s dedication and skill were evident on the mat, setting a high standard for training. // Kyra Tomlinson
Genesis Chinchilla
A two-year NCAA starter, Genesis brought her competitive edge and experience to the practice, contributing to a dynamic training environment. // Genesis Chinchilla
Strength in Collaboration: NC United Gold Practice Unites Programs, Coaches, and Community
Greensboro College’s Head Wrestling Coach, Coach Woodburn, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “It is awesome for NC United to create opportunities for Women’s and Girls wrestling. Greensboro College is glad to be part of building opportunities.” His support underscores the college’s commitment to fostering the growth of women’s wrestling in North Carolina. He further added, “It is always motivating as a coach to see athletes who are excited about improving their skills,” highlighting the positive atmosphere of the practice.
Adding another layer of inspiration to the session was a guest appearance by Mitch Johnson, the 2025 US Open Finalist. A dedicated member and mentor within the North Carolina wrestling community, Johnson generously lends his expertise to both the Greensboro College men’s and women’s programs and actively engages with clubs across the state. His presence at the NC United Gold practice underscored the interconnectedness and support within the North Carolina wrestling family. Coach Woodburn noted the remarkable dedication of the
Greensboro student-athletes and staff, who competed at the US Open, returned home, and immediately hosted both NC United Blue and Gold practices on the same Sunday, emphasizing their commitment to the betterment of wrestling in the state.
The success of Greensboro College’s Women’s Wrestling program, which finished 28th at the recent NCAA National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships and boasts qualifiers like Kyra Tomlinson and All-American Destiny Vaughans, speaks volumes about the talent pool in North Carolina. With four Academic All-Americans over the past three seasons, the program exemplifies striving for both athletic and academic excellence.
A New Era Begins: NC United Gold Lays the Groundwork for Generations of Champions
The inaugural NC United Gold practice was more than just a training session; it was a powerful demonstration of collaboration, mentorship, and the collective pursuit of excellence. By bringing together wrestlers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, NC United Gold is forging a vital pathway for the continued growth and success of women’s wrestling in North Carolina. This first practice has undoubtedly set a high bar for future sessions, promising a year of significant development and camaraderie on the mats. Stay tuned for updates on future practice locations and opportunities to join this dynamic and empowering wrestling community!
