Lehigh Wrestling Eyes Top-Five Finish After Historic First Season
Lehigh University's first sanctioned women's wrestling season exceeded all expectations. The Mountain Hawks crowned an individual NCAA champion, produced three All-Americans, and finished sixth at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships in Coralville, Iowa. Now, with a loaded recruiting class and a veteran core returning, head coach Brazel Marquez believes year two can be even better.
The team posted a 15-2 dual record, with losses only to Iowa and Presbyterian. At the NCAA tournament, Lehigh scored 54.5 points, finishing behind McKendree, Iowa, North Central, Grand Valley State, and Presbyterian. The gap to fifth place was 29.5 points, a margin Marquez aims to close with an influx of elite talent.
Star Power Returns to Bethlehem
Audrey Jimenez headlines the returning group after winning the 110-pound national title as a freshman. An injury cut short her 2026 international season, but she enters the year as the clear favorite at her weight.
Joining Jimenez are returning All-Americans Abbi Cooper (seventh at 117) and Aubre Krazer (third at 131). Krazer was 24-1 last season and is a legitimate national title threat. Cece Ravenelle (138) and Genevieve An (180) also return after qualifying for nationals, giving Lehigh five proven point-scorers at the NCAA tournament.
Recruiting Class Could Change the Program's Trajectory
Marquez went to work on the recruiting trail, landing a 14-wrestler class headlined by Alex Alli, a 160-pound standout who trained at the Elite Accelerator Program at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Alli placed third at the 2026 Senior US Open at 72 kg and won a U23 national title. She is an immediate national title contender.
The class also includes multiple state champions and Fargo All-Americans, giving Lehigh unprecedented depth at nearly every weight. The influx of talent means competition for starting spots will be fierce, which typically raises the level of the entire room.
Marquez: 'Year Two Will Be Even Greater'
Marquez expressed confidence in his program's trajectory heading into the season.
I couldn't be more excited about leading the team here at Lehigh. It's such a unique place; I'm grateful that all these women understand and see the value that Lehigh has to offer. They're smart women. Because of that, we are attracting smart, talented women to this program, and we are stoked to see how this season pans out.
He also emphasized the importance of preparation and focus.
I've been working very hard all summer to ensure we have a well-organized, well-oiled machine this year. Year two will be even greater than year one, for many different reasons. We also have a tougher schedule this year. I'm excited to test our program against some of the best and make any adjustments needed before the NCAA Championships to ensure a successful postseason.
Marquez stressed that his team will stay grounded despite the hype.
We are going to put our heads down and work. We don't get lost in the sauce with all the social media noise and rankings. We will always continue to keep the main thing, the main thing.
Lineup Breakdown: Where the Battles Will Happen
Lehigh's depth creates intriguing competition at several weights. Here is a look at the projected lineup and the key battles to watch.
103 Pounds
Incoming freshman Charlie Wylie, a Fargo champion and two-time New York state champion, will challenge returning starter Hattie Mack. Mack went 2-2 at NCAA regionals last season.
110 Pounds
Jimenez is the clear starter. Freshmen Natalie Radecki and Ava Fodera add depth behind the national champion.
117 Pounds
Cooper returns as the starter after going 3-2 at nationals. She fell to national finalist Riley Rayome in the quarterfinals.
124 Pounds
Alexa Ciliotta started last season and finished 17-15. She will be pushed by incoming freshmen SJ Martin and Reese Adams, as well as sophomore Natalia Accorsi.
131 Pounds
Krazer is the clear starter after a dominant 24-1 season. Freshman Zorina Johnson will learn behind one of the nation's best.
138 Pounds
Ravenelle returns as the starter, but incoming freshman Morgan Lucio, a standout from Valiant College Prep in Arizona, will push for time.
145 Pounds
This is the most open weight. Freshmen Ryen Hickey, Sarah Henckel, and Lina Lockard will compete with returners Julia Fongaro, Makynna Loepp, and Sydney Thompson. An incoming freshman will likely earn the starting spot.
160 Pounds
Alli is the favorite to start and could be the difference-maker in Lehigh's national finish. She will be pushed by Henckel and returners Cameron Millsapps, Paige DeCaro, and Piper Zatechka.
180 Pounds
An returns as a national qualifier and will look to improve on her 26-12 record. Freshman Teagan McGuinness will provide competition.
207 Pounds
Incoming freshmen Caroline Hattala and Phoenix Molina will battle for the starting spot.
Can Lehigh Crack the Top Five?
The Mountain Hawks have the pieces to make a significant jump. With three returning All-Americans, a national champion, and a recruiting class that adds immediate firepower, a top-five finish is a realistic goal.
The key will be scoring bonus points and winning close matches at the NCAA tournament. Lehigh was 116.5 points behind champion McKendree, a gap that won't close overnight. But with Alli in the lineup and continued development from the returning core, the Mountain Hawks are positioned to make noise on the national stage.
The season begins this fall, and expectations are higher than ever in Bethlehem.
2026-27 Lehigh Women's Wrestling at a Glance
- Head coach: Brazel Marquez (second season)
- 2026 NCAA tournament finish: 6th
- 2026 NCAA tournament points: 54.5
- 2026 dual record: 15-2
- Returning All-Americans: 3 (Audrey Jimenez, Abbi Cooper, Aubre Krazer)
- Returning NCAA qualifiers: 5
- Last NCAA champion: Audrey Jimenez (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the favorite to win the 110-pound national title?
Audrey Jimenez is the clear favorite at 110 pounds after winning the NCAA title as a freshman. She is returning from an injury that sidelined her 2026 international season.
What makes Alex Alli a national title contender?
Alli trained at the Elite Accelerator Program at the Olympic Training Center and placed third at the 2026 Senior US Open at 72 kg. She also won a U23 national title.
How many All-Americans does Lehigh return?
Lehigh returns three All-Americans: Audrey Jimenez, Abbi Cooper, and Aubre Krazer.
What is Lehigh's toughest competition in 2026-27?
McKendree, Iowa, North Central, and Grand Valley State finished ahead of Lehigh at the 2026 NCAA Championships and will again be among the nation's best teams.