Share this story
IG Story is the most common format. We'll generate a branded image sized for your pick.
This story uses a landscape banner, so IG Story may show small borders above and below the image.
NC United's Women's College Prospect Rankings highlighted North Carolina's leading Class of 2026 high school wrestlers. The list identified the state's top juniors and reflected the continued growth of women's wrestling through North Carolina's high school and club programs.
Understanding the United Prospect List
The athletes were evaluated through:
- College open participation: Age-appropriate participation and success demonstrated an ability to compete with more experienced wrestlers.
- National competition: Results from NHSCA Nationals, Super 32, Fargo, Journeymen and Ultimate Club Duals provided evidence against elite fields.
- Wins over nationally ranked opponents: Quality victories helped identify wrestlers ready for the next competitive step.
- High school performance: Strong in-season wins against difficult competition remained an important measure of future potential.
The rankings served as a resource for college coaches by highlighting North Carolina's women's wrestling prospects and offering insight into future recruiting opportunities.
Class of 2026 Standout Athletes
Faith Bane · New Bern · 145 lbs
Bane established herself as one of the country's leading high school wrestlers, earning a No. 17 national ranking from USA Wrestling. She won the 2024 state championship and finished as a 2024 NHSCA national finalist. She also placed third at the 2023 Women's Trojan Open against collegiate-level competition and earned NHSCA All-America honors in 2023.
Iyanna Crawford · Purnell Swett · 132 lbs
Crawford demonstrated her ability against nationally ranked opponents. She finished second at the Women's Trojan Open and defeated the nation's No. 13-ranked college wrestler, adding another victory over the No. 29-ranked competitor.
Zainab Hijawi · South Central · 107 lbs
Hijawi delivered strong performances at USA Girls Midwest Nationals, placing fifth in the 16U division and finishing second in the Junior division. She also earned multiple victories at the Women's Trojan Open, showing an ability to compete successfully against more experienced wrestlers.
Class of 2026 Women's Wrestling Prospect List
The historical list was published alphabetically by athlete name.
| Wrestler | 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 Swett |
| 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 Barden | 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
Competing at the collegiate level requires more than high school success. Athletes must embrace freestyle wrestling and test themselves against national competition. Events such as Fargo Nationals, Super 32, Women's National Championships and World Team Trials, Journeymen, Southeast Regionals, National Duals and Ultimate Duals provide experience and recruiting exposure.
The athletes on this list helped drive the growth of women's wrestling in North Carolina. Their success at state, regional and national levels reflected the state's depth of talent and expanding collegiate opportunities.