If numbers are your thing, then the past six seasons have been pretty good for the Life University women’s freestyle team. Ashley Flavin took over as head coach in 2017 and results followed. 

Life placed 13th at the 2018 WCWA Championships and the program has only gone up from there. Flavin-led teams have placed in the top four at the past four national championships, including three runner-up finishes. 

Then there was the team’s historic 2022 National Duals victory. The win gave Life University its first national title and made Ashley Flavin the first woman to lead a college program to an NWCA national title.

The Flavin File

Will the Running Eagles soar to the top of the NAIA field this season?

Flavin has quality options at every weight, but there are holes to fill from last season’s team. Three-time national champion Peyton Prussin graduated, while expected transfer Asia Ray — a two-time national champion for Wayland Baptist — is staying in Texas. 

Sarah Savidge (130), Jamilah McBryde (143), and Latifah McBryde (155) are the highest returning placers at their weights and will be front runners at the 2024 NAIA Championships. 

All-Americans Devyn Gomez (101), Jasmine Godinez (109), Riley Dalrymple (136), and Angelina Prado (136) will need to find the podium again, as will Round of 12ers Olivia Mottley and Zaynah McBryde.

Freshman Maggie Graham is a 2021 U17 Pan-American silver medalist, 2021 U17 National champion, 2022 Folkstyle National champion, 2022 Super 32 finalist, and a three-time Tennessee state champion. She could be a factor if she develops throughout the year. 

Up to 12 wrestlers qualify for the NAIA Championships so depth at every weight is crucial for the Running Eagles as they push toward their first team title. 

A New Life? 2023-24 Prospective Line-up

101 Pounds
Devyn Gomez — All-American (6-8)

109 Pounds
Brianna Funakoshi
Jasmine Godinez — All-American (5)
Diana Gonzalez
Miranda DiBenedetto

116 Pounds
Estefany Garcia
Kaci Bice
Jordyn Chrisco
Ariana Martinez

123 Pounds
Olivia Mottley
Anna Krejsa
Sophie Sarver

130 Pounds
Sarah Savidge — All-American (2)
Brooklyn Long
Morgan Sacharczyk

136 Pounds
Riley Dalrymple — All-American (8)
Zaynah McBryde
Angelina Prado — All-American (7)

143 Pounds
Jamilah McBryde — All-American (3)
Shani Tyson

155 Pounds
Latifah McBryde — All-American (2)
Millian Garrett

170 Pounds
Jayde Massa
Maggie Graham
Stephanie Villalobos

191 Pounds
Maddy Welch
Jane Allen