HALEY WARD TAKES SECOND AT NAIA WOMEN’S WRESTLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PARK CITY, Kan. – Avila junior Haley Ward took second place in the 207-pound class at the 2026 NAIA Women's Wrestling National Championships on Friday and Saturday, going 4-1 on the weekend, with her only loss coming in the first-place match to undefeated and top-ranked Lillian Gradillas-Flores of Southern Oregon, via 2-1 decision.
Ward's second-place finish is the highest NAIA postseason finish for any athlete in Avila wrestling history.
"We are so proud of Haley's season," said Shawn Summe, Avila VP of Athletics and Student Affairs/Chief Mission Integration Officer. "Haley brought experience into the wrestling program this year. While not only excelling on the mat, she has excelled in the classroom as a nursing major. She did not just give the wrestling program the opportunity to watch her run to the national title bout, but also the entire Avila community. It was a fun experience to watch her compete all year and in Wichita. Haley is mature beyond her years and we are fortunate that we get to see her continue her passion!"
The junior from Buckner, Mo., went 3-0 on Friday, earning All-American status following a start to the tournament with an 11-0 tech fall victory and a pair of pins.
On Saturday, Ward began her day with a 3-2 decision victory over Selena Mares of Grand View University, the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the nation, to send the University of Iowa transfer to the championship round.
All four of Ward's victories on Friday and Saturday came against nationally-ranked opponents, and three top-15 opponents in her bracket.
Ward joins Alexis Hatfield (2024-25) as just the second All-American in program history.
Wrapping up one of the best individual seasons of any athlete in the history of Avila athletics, Ward finishes her year with just two losses to NAIA opponents.
Two weeks ago, Ward become the second KCAC champion in Avila women's wrestling history and set her mark as the highest finisher in the history of Avila University.
