Top 10 USA Wrestling Highlights of 2025
The year 2025 was a remarkable time for USA Wrestling, showcasing extraordinary achievements across various wrestling disciplines. Here are the top highlights that define the sport’s progress in the United States this year.
Top 10 USA Wrestling Highlights of 2025
1. NCAA Approves Women’s Wrestling as Championship Sport
The NCAA has officially recognized women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport. This landmark decision was made in January 2025 and marked a significant milestone for women’s wrestling in the United States. The first official NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships will take place in Coralville, Iowa, on March 6-7, 2026. This announcement came as USA Wrestling veteran Gary Abbott retired, highlighting the efforts of years of advocates for women’s wrestling.
2. Olympic Legends Maroulis and Snyder Achieve World Title Success
2016 Olympic champions Helen Maroulis and Kyle Snyder both earned their fourth Senior World titles in Zagreb, Croatia. Maroulis claimed gold in the women’s 57 kg category and secured her eighth medal at the Senior World Championships. Snyder, competing at 97 kg, defeated Iranian Amirali Azarpira in the final, marking a significant career milestone for both athletes.
3. Team USA Welcomes New World Champions: Valencia and Hidlay
Zahid Valencia and Trent Hidlay achieved World champion status in Zagreb, enhancing Team USA’s reputation on the global stage. Valencia dominated his 86 kg division, finishing all five matches without conceding a point. Hidlay staged a thrilling comeback in the 92 kg finals, overcoming an eight-point deficit to secure his victory.
4. Wyatt Hendrickson Upsets Olympic Champion Steveson
Wyatt Hendrickson captured the NCAA heavyweight title in a stunning upset against Gable Steveson. The Oklahoma State wrestler executed a decisive takedown in the finals, garnering national attention and eventually earning a spot on the U.S. Senior World Team.
5. High School Stars Make Senior World Team
The emergence of young talent was evident as high school athletes Jax Forrest, PJ Duke, and Jayden Raney qualified for the U.S. Senior World Championships. Forrest notably defeated World champion Vito Arujau, while Duke overcame World silver medalist Yianni Diakomihalis. Raney also achieved success, leading his weight category in Greco-Roman.
6. USA Dominates U17, U20, and U23 World Championships
Team USA became the first nation to win titles across the U17, U20, and U23 men’s freestyle World Championships within the same year. At the U17 event in Athens, seven wrestlers— including gold medalists like Keegan Bassett— contributed to this historic achievement.
7. Luke Lilledahl Makes History with Third Age-Group World Title
Luke Lilledahl became the first U.S. wrestler to win U17, U20, and U23 World titles in men’s freestyle wrestling. His gold at the U23 World Championships added to his impressive medal collection, which now totals five age-group World medals.
8. Penn State’s Carter Starocci Achieves Unprecedented Five Titles
Carter Starocci made history by winning his fifth NCAA Division I title, becoming the first wrestler to achieve this feat. He was instrumental in leading Penn State to its 13th team championship, which also marked a historic season where all ten participating wrestlers earned All-American honors.
9. Kikiniou Family Shines in Wrestling Circles
The Kikiniou family made their mark, with Aliaksandr Kikiniou Sr. and Jr. reaching the finals of the U.S. Open. Both wrestlers secured positions on the U.S. National Team in Greco-Roman. Youngest sister Arseni also excelled by earning medals at the U17 World Championships, illustrating the family’s wrestling prowess.
10. Ben Askren’s Inspirational Recovery Journey
Olympian Ben Askren’s story of resilience captured the wrestling community’s admiration. After undergoing a double lung transplant following a severe illness, Askren continues to document his recovery, embodying the spirit of determination and strength.
The year 2025 has undoubtedly been a transformative period for USA Wrestling, filled with triumphs and legendary feats that elevate the sport’s profile and inspire many. The resilience and talent displayed by athletes across various levels promise a bright future for wrestling in the United States.
