Women's Wrestling | 2/27/2026 2:31:00 PM

Gannon sophomore women's wrestler Bella Phillips (Bellingham, Wash./Squalicum High School) earned a spot in the inaugural 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships following her selection earlier today during the NCAA Women's Wrestling Selection Show, marking a historic moment for both the sport and Gannon University.

Phillips becomes the first Golden Knight to qualify for the NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships during the sport's inaugural NCAA season, after women's wrestling was added as the NCAA's 91st official championship sport in January 2025.

Phillips earned her spot at nationals after capturing the Super Region II 180-pound title last week at West Liberty. She delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament, allowing just one point while outscoring her opponents 33–1 to claim the regional crown.

Phillips enters the national tournament ranked fifth in the country at 180 pounds according to the Open Mat rankings. She carries a 28–6 overall record into nationals and leads the team with 14 technical falls on the season.

Phillips earned the No. 7 seed at 180 pounds and received a first-round bye at the NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships. She will face the winner of Journey Land (27–8) of Mount Olive and Ay'Seante Ross of Norwich in her opening bout.

The 180-pound bracket is led by top seed Kylie Welker of Iowa who enters the championship with a perfect 17–0 record.

The official championship field was announced earlier today during the NCAA Women's Wrestling Selection Show. The inaugural national tournament will take place March 6–7 at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.