AAU Alum, Kylie Welker, Named Iowa Women's Wrestling First Ever Commit

Article originally found at IAWrestle
AAU Alum Kylie Welker began AAU Wrestling in 2011
 

The Iowa Women's wrestling program is off to a sprinting start. Last fall the University announced the addition of women's wrestling making it the first power five conference institution to add the sport. A couple months later, they tapped USA Wrestling coach and two-time Olympian, Clarissa Chun to lead the upstart program. Today, the program added another key piece in landing the commitment of Wisconsin native Kylie Welker, who is the top high school wrestler in the country.

The prized prospect was in town last weekend with seven other recruits for the top ranked showdown with the Iowa Men's program facing Penn State. Also in attendance with Welker were #4 Katie Gomez, #14 Brianna Gonzalez, #19 Reese Larramendy, Faith Cole, Emilie Gonzalez, Jennifer Soto, and three-time Iowa high school champion Ella Schmit. 

"I absolutely loved Iowa City and the endless support from all of the amazing people that come along with the University." Welker told IAwrestle, "I am beyond excited to continue my wrestling and academic career as a Hawkeye!"

Calling Welker the top high school wrestler is an understatement. Despite being only 17 years old she went toe-to-toe with the best of USA Wrestling's senior circuit, and was good enough to be the U.S.'s Olympic alternate as a high schooler. 

Last year alone Welker pulled off an extremely impressive feat. In July she won USA Wrestling's Junior Nationals in Fargo giving her a high school national title, and while that is typically the pinnacle of high school wrestling that was far from the most impressive accomplishment for Welker. She made three World Teams for the U.S. competing at the Junior, U23, and Senior World Championships. She won Gold in August at Junior World's and bronze at U23's in November. She finished 10th at the Senior World Championships. 

All of that goes to demonstrate that Welker has earned high school wrestling's #1 pound-for-pound ranking - and despite Welker's dominance, she is leading a field packed full of talent.  

The Iowa women's program will get underway in the 2023-24 season, meaning Welker will likely redshirt this upcoming year and compete unattached. Doing so would allow her to compete all four years of her eligibility in the black and gold.