Blades, Welker, and Kilty pushing Iowa Women's Wrestling to new heights

In just its second year, the Iowa Women’s Wrestling program has earned the No. 1 ranking in the nation. With a group of talented athletes, including many with world medals, the team exemplifies determination. Last week, at the Women's Freestyle National Team Camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we had the opportunity to speak with three outstanding athletes competing for Iowa this season.

Kennedy Blades is a rising star in women's wrestling, having secured a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She likens the experience of wrestling at Carver-Hawkeye Arena to competing at the Paris Olympic Games, sharing that she enjoys the environment of the fans of Iowa wrestling.

Macey Kilty has had a successful year, competing at both the U23 and Senior World Championships in 2024. She won silver at the U23 World Championships and bronze at the Senior World Championships, as both events were held back-to-back in Tirana, Albania, last October. Kilty’s resume also includes a 2023 Senior World silver medal. Now in her first year at Iowa, she feels back at home in the Midwest.

Kylie Welker, who has been with the Iowa program since its inception, has seen significant growth in the program. Alongside Kilty in 2024, Welker won gold at the U23 World Championships and bronze at the Senior World Championships.

Under the guidance of head coach Clarissa Chun, a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist and 2008 Senior World Champion, the team has thrived from the beginning. The Hawkeyes are coming off of a second-straight title at the NWCA National Duals, which were held last weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Check out All Access: Iowa Women’s Wrestling on the USA Wrestling YouTube page. Full interviews with Blades, Kilty and Welker can also be viewed on our YouTube channel.