Seven Women's Wrestlers Earn NWCA Academic Honors
Seven members of the Colby Trojans women’s wrestling team were recognized for their excellence in the classroom as the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced its NJCAA Women’s Scholar All-American and academic award recipients.
MANHEIM, Pa. – Seven members of the Colby Trojans women's wrestling team were recognized for their excellence in the classroom as the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced its NJCAA Women's Scholar All-American and academic award recipients Thursday (March 12).
A total of 97 student-athletes from 22 institutions across the nation earned recognition from the NWCA for their academic performance while competing throughout the season.
Leading the group for the Trojans were Kaylen McAtee, Jazrine Nieto, Destiny Gonzalez, and Emma Parker, who were named National Scorers with a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher. The honor is awarded to student-athletes who scored team points at the national championships while maintaining strong academic standing.
Sophomore Catherine Dutton earned NWCA Scholar All-American recognition, an award presented to wrestlers who achieve All-American status at the national championships while maintaining at least a 3.00 GPA.
Two additional Trojans, Audrie Felkins and Cristina Palacio Martinez, were honored in the NWCA's 15-match academic category. The distinction recognizes wrestlers who competed in at least 15 matches during the season while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Dutton, a sophomore, is pursuing degrees in Psychology and Exercise Science. Felkins, also a sophomore, is majoring in General Studies, while Gonzalez is studying General Studies as well. Among the freshmen honored were McAtee, who is majoring in General Studies, Nieto, who is pursuing Pre-Physical Therapy, Palacio Martinez, who is studying Criminal Justice, and Parker, who is majoring in Psychology.
The scholar awards follow the conclusion of the NJCAA Women's Wrestling Championships held March 6–7. Indian Hills captured the national team title with 294.5 points and three individual champions.
The recognition highlights the continued commitment of the Colby women's wrestling program to success both on the mat and in the classroom, especially in their inaugural season.