MANHEIM, Pa. – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) released its first NCAA Women's Coaches Poll for the upcoming 2025–26 season yesterday with the Mavericks beginning the season as the No. 6 ranked team in the nation and having six wrestlers ranked in their respective weight classes.
Coming in as one of two schools from the RMAC to be ranked in the top 25 of the nation, the Mavericks begin as the No. 6 ranked team this year after finishing in eighth last season. Beyond Colorado Mesa, Chadron State was also in the preseason rankings with them being tied for 17th in the nation.
The Mavericks earned 42 points in the poll while also being ranked sixth in the regional rankings.
Six different wrestlers will also begin this year ranked in their weight classes with the group of Mia Zuniga, Bella Morales, Jojo McDaniel, Lorianna Piestewa, Gretchen Donally and Jayleen Sekona each being recognized.
Zuniga, who transferred in from King University this year, is the #4 ranked wrestler at 103 pounds while at 110 pounds, Morales is the representative for Colorado Mesa with her being ranked fifth.
McDaniel comes in at 10th at 117 pounds while Piestewa is the Mavs' highest ranked wrestler with her being second at 124 pounds.
Donally and Sekona round out the group with Donally being ranked seventh at 145 pounds and Sekona also being ranked fourth as she represents the top weight class of 207 pounds.
The duo of McDaniel and Piestewa were also recognized earlier this week as a part of the Preseason All-RMAC Team.
Rankings for the national poll and individuals come from members of the six regions with one to two of the school's coaches/members voting.
This season will also be highlighted by the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships, set to take place March 6–7 in Coralville, Iowa, at Xtream Arena.
