The Sacred Heart University (SHU) women’s wrestling team is 17-3 this season with one month left before the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships (NCWWC.) The team’s success dates back to three years ago when the university announced the women’s wrestling team as an addition to their Division 1 program.
Sacred Heart University Women’s Wrestling Captain, junior Maddie Sanquist, during a match.
Contributed by Maddie Sanquist, ‘25
Paulina Biega, Sacred Heart’s Women’s Wrestling Head Coach, on the side-line coaching her team during a match.
Contributed by Paulina Biega
Paulina Biega was hired as head coach, making her the first female National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 wrestling coach in the country.
“I don’t pay attention to it. I don’t care if I am first, second or third,” said Biega. “I do it for the kids and because I love the sport.”
Since their inaugural year in 2021, the women have had two consecutive winning seasons. Going 6-4 in their first season and 17-4 in their second.
“Having a seventeen-win season is pretty good, but I try not to count them,” said Biega. “I look at it and some women wrestle more than thirty-five matches a year.”
Two wrestlers who have been successful under Biega are sophomore Aaliyah Payne- Parris and junior captain Maddie Sandquist
“Being a captain means a lot,” said Sandquist. “Being here for the first season and not really knowing what to expect was really hard. Looking back now and seeing where the team is at feels good to know my leadership impacted my teammates.”
Sandquist earned two All-Americans in each of her first two seasons wrestling at SHU.
“Coming to college I dreamed of being a four-time All-American. I always believed I could do it, it was just about putting in the work to get there,” said Sandquist. “This year my goals are much bigger than they have ever been, I want to place first and head off to my first Olympic trials.”
Payne-Parris was also named an All-American last season.
“I trust myself and try to do my best every time I step on the mat. Winning last year, really boosted my confidence in my wrestling ability,” said Payne-Parris.
In capturing their 17th win this season on Feb. 9 against Western New England University (WNE), the Pioneers remain undefeated in the Northeast Region this season with a 12-0 regional record.
Both Payne-Parris and Sandquist have contributed to the team’s success. Payne-Paris won by forfeit and Sandquist captured her victory by pin fall- when both shoulders of a wrestler comes in contact with the mat for a period of two seconds.
The team scored an overall of 37-9 in their win over WNE.
“I am very proud of my team, and how far they have come, but what’s done is in the past.” said Biega. “When your athletes win it is very cool and validates that the hard work has paid off.”
