Sacred Heart University women’s wrestling made program history as several Pioneers placed at the first-ever National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)Women’s Wrestling Championships. The Pioneers walked into the national championship with high expectations and a desire to win and achieved just that. Freshman Josephine Larson earned her first All-American award and junior Love Daley earned her second.
Source: Contributed by Love Daley, ‘27
“The goal for this year was to win the NCAA Regional Championship and qualify 10 to nationals. Well, we achieved the first part of it and came slightly short on the second part since we qualified eight out of 10 possible to nationals; regardless of that I’m still proud of our team’s performance,” said head coach Paulina Biega.
“Since I’m a freshman, my goal was to do as much as I can. I wanted to be open-minded and understand that since this is my first year competing at the college level, it might not go the way I wanted it to,” said Larson.
Daley won her first All-American in her freshman year and knew what she had to do after she fell short last season.
“I lost in the blood round last year, which was heartbreaking. So, this year was kind of a reset year for me,” said Daley. “I was focusing more on re-centering myself on joy and being present and having fun.”
The Pioneers have built a strong team culture that has allowed them to be successful, resulting in many wins.
“I started this program from the ground up and the growth is seen not only in numbers and results but, most importantly, the culture we set for our team,” said Biega.
“My teammates are my favorite part. Everyone gets along so well, and it really makes or breaks a team and for us, the girls make it,” said Larson.
“Wrestling is such a hard sport, and I feel like we have all come together. We all come from different backgrounds and have such strong and distinct personalities, but because we share the love for the sport, it just works and is so seamless,” said Daley.
The NCAA names the top eight finishers in each of the 10 weight classes an “All-American.” The 2026 championship featured an 18-person field in each of the weight classes.
“Everyone at the National Championship strives and seeks that All-American honor. Whoever reaches it leaves their mark in the history books. You become a top athlete in the country. That’s something to be proud of,” said Biega.
“We made history; like this is history. I’m excited to see where is goes from here, but that was my favorite part,” said Larson.
“To be a part of the first NCAA championship and the first class of All-Americans, I mean come on, that’s awesome,” said Daley.
The team has worked incredibly hard this season and continues to train to work towards next season’s goals.
“Our entire team was a part of our success. They motivate us, they cheer us up, they do everything for us, and we do everything for them. They’re the ones we practice with and the ones who make us better. As much as it’s our win, it’s also theirs,” said Larson.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
