September 25, 2025 The NC United program marked a major milestone with the first official girls’ team competing at the Ultimate Club Duals. The tournament is recognized nationally as one of the toughest women’s competitions, featuring World Team members, Fargo champions, and All-Americans. By fielding an inaugural roster, NC United set a foundation for the future of women’s wrestling in North Carolina.
The girls’ event brought together elite clubs from across the country, creating an environment that tested every athlete. For NC United, entering a team for the first time carried significance beyond the wins and losses. It signaled the arrival of a committed effort to create opportunities for female wrestlers in a state where the sport continues to grow at a rapid pace.
Coaches Veronica Carlson and Brandon Palmer led the squad through the weekend. Both emphasized the importance of progress and the long-term development of athletes.
“I had a great time at the duals. It was amazing to see the improvement from match to match. These athletes are the future of wrestling, and they have what it takes to accomplish anything they desire. Their potential is limitless, and that is exciting to see as a coach,” said Carlson.
The NC United roster represented a diverse group of young wrestlers who became the first athletes to wear the team’s colors in this historic debut. Their names now stand as the foundation of NC United’s women’s program:
Addison Gore, Brianna Palmer, Isabella Hernandez, Jiselle Riley, Julia McGee, Khiry Reese, Laila Tellez, Rosie Horan Carillo, Savada Kitchen, Stephanie Diaz Mendoza, Taylor Williams, Zainab Hijawi, Sophia Placencia, Solyn Palmer (Not Pictured in Order)
Together, they accepted the challenge of competing on one of the biggest stages available for girls’ wrestling. Facing seasoned opponents tested their resolve, but each match provided growth that will carry forward into future seasons.
“Our team showed incredible toughness. This year we stepped up to the challenge earning some notable wins. On the other hand we let a few slip away that we were capable of winning. The next step is to not only wrestle tough, but to do it with confidence. As more girls enter the sport, it is our job as parents and coaches to ensure they gain valuable freestyle experience. I am hoping to see it become more of a priority especially at the elementary and middle school levels.” said Coach Brandon Palmer pointing to the toughness the team displayed and the lessons that emerged from the experience.
Palmer’s words reflect the deeper mission behind NC United’s decision to enter the Ultimate Club Duals. The creation of this roster is not a single event but a first step in a broader effort to ensure that girls in North Carolina have access to high-level freestyle competition. For the athletes who competed, the tournament served as proof that they can measure themselves against some of the nation’s best while also charting a path forward in their development.
The significance of the moment goes beyond the scoreboard. Every name on the roster represents a step toward equity and opportunity in a sport that continues to expand for women. North Carolina has already seen growth at the high school and collegiate levels, and this inaugural NC United team demonstrates that the state is prepared to build on that progress. By entering the Ultimate Club Duals, NC United placed itself in direct alignment with the best programs in the nation and showed its commitment to developing female wrestlers from the youth level upward.
Looking ahead, the experience gained at the Ultimate Club Duals will carry into the coming season. The athletes now have a standard to measure themselves against, and the coaching staff has identified the next areas of focus to accelerate growth. The tournament laid a foundation that will inspire more girls across North Carolina to pursue freestyle wrestling with confidence and ambition.
The NC United inaugural women’s team at the Ultimate Club Duals represents more than a group of competitors. It is the beginning of a tradition. These athletes have taken the first steps in a journey that will shape the future of women’s wrestling in the state. Their commitment, combined with the guidance of coaches Carlson and Palmer, ensures that North Carolina girls will continue to rise on the national stage.
