GAMES
RANKINGS
Riley Rayome was named an All-American
TEXAS TRAILBLAZERS: Lone Star Wrestlers Make History at First NCAA Women’s Championship
History was made on several fronts this weekend in the world of college women’s wrestling.
The inaugural 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Championship was held at Xtream Arena, where several Texans left their mark on the sport’s biggest stage.
Leading the way was Riley Rayome, who became the first female wrestler from Texas to earn NCAA All-American honors. The The Woodlands High School alum and three-time Texas high school state champion finished as the runner-up in the 117-pound division for North Central College.
Even more impressive? Rayome accomplished the feat as a freshman, finishing the season with a 27-5 record.
“I am so proud of how I performed this season,” Rayome said. “I knew in my heart what I was capable of doing, and although I fell short, I definitely let the world know that Riley Rayome is a name to watch out for. I’m not satisfied and I’m going to keep climbing this ladder as high as I can — and have fun doing it.”
Another historic milestone came courtesy of Xochitl Mota-Pettis. The former Klein High School standout became the first Texas female to win an NCAA women’s wrestling national championship, capturing the 124-pound title for Quincy University.
More Lone Star talent made the podium as well. Rewa Chababo, a graduate of Mayde Creek High School, earned bronze in the 207-pound division while competing for Wartburg College, finishing the season with a 29-3 record.
And while she didn’t place, Megan Edwards of Rockwall High School earned one of the most prestigious honors of the weekend — the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award, given to the competitor with the highest GPA at the national tournament.
The first NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship made history.
Texas made sure it was part of it.
WATCH THE PODCAST WITH RILEY RAYOME -- A LOOK BACK
BATTLE RED: No. 12 Katy has balance at plate, on diamond
12. Katy Tigers (6A)
Katy reached the Regional Semifinals in 2025 after going 28-10 overall and winning District 19-6A. Wes Hearne should be ready to rock this year with senior shortstop Ashten Ballew returning after being a first-team, all-district pick a year ago. Ballew hit .316 at the plate with four homers and 20 stolen bases.
Houston-commit Jayden Stewart (4-1, 2.12 ERA, 39 Ks) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi-commit Anson Stuckly (4-3, 1.92 ERA, 34 Ks) will anchor the pitching unit for the Tigers in 2026. District 19-6A Newcomer of the Year Adriel Rivera will be their battery mate at the catcher position. Rivera hit .250 with 1 HR.
Other key returners include OF Kaleb Harrison (.260, 2 HR) and UTL Bennett Kahlan (.328).
































