The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

Kylie Welker of Iowa has been named the 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat after another dominant season.

Welker capped an undefeated 2025–26 campaign by winning the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling national championship at 180 pounds. In the finals, she defeated McKendree's Destiny Rodriguez 8-0 to secure the historic title, her third straight collegiate national championship.

The Wisconsin native finished the season 21–0, recording 15 technical falls and four pins, while going a perfect 9–0 in dual meets for Iowa. She also claimed titles at the 2026 Grand View Open and the NCAA Region V Championships.

Ranked No. 1 pound-for-pound by The Open Mat entering the postseason, Welker validated that status with consistent, dominant performances throughout the season.

Welker has built one of the most impressive resumes in women's college wrestling history. In addition to her three collegiate national titles, she is a two-time senior world bronze medalist and a three-time age-group world champion. She previously earned The Open Mat's NCAA Women's Wrestler of the Year honor in 2024.