ABILENE, TX – The McMurry University Women's Wrestling program is ready to debut, announcing a founding class and a demanding 2025-2026 schedule that signals an aggressive intent to establish a championship culture from the very first whistle. Far from a typical start-up, Head Coach
Lance Brown has assembled a formidable roster featuring state champions and national-level talent.
Inaugural Class Built on Elite Credentials
The War Hawks' first-ever roster brings a high pedigree of athletic and wrestling success, ensuring immediate competitiveness across all weight classes at Kimbrell Arena.
The core anchors of the program include:
- Alexis Schmotzer (130 lbs): A true national talent, Schmotzer is an Arkansas State Champion and boasts 2x Adidas All-America honors, providing elite-level experience.
- Kayla Jose (124 lbs): The New Mexico State Champion adds consistency and poise, having placed at the state tournament an impressive four times during her high school career.
- Brandie Brown (145 lbs): A Kansas Freestyle State Champion, Brown brings valuable international-style experience and championship versatility to the lineup.
The team's depth is bolstered by proven athletic power, including
Elizabeth Cunningham (207 lbs), who provides strength and collegiate championship experience as a 2x ASC & 1x SCAC Conference Hammer Champion in Track & Field. Other key contributors include Texas District Champion
Alekzandrea Uresti (180 lbs) and technical specialist Adrianna Azuara (138 lbs), who has podium finishes in both Texas Freestyle and Greco competitions. The roster is further rounded out by talented recruits in all weight classes, including Lilly Mendez (103),
Kailyn Bridges (110),
Chelsey Upton (117), and
Isabella Cornejo (160).
Challenging Schedule Designed for National-Level Growth
Head Coach
Lance Brown has scheduled a demanding debut season, intentionally building a competitive slate for rapid development and national exposure.
"Our inaugural season is about establishing a championship culture and proving that McMurry is a force in collegiate wrestling," Coach Brown noted. "We have intentionally built a rigorous schedule full of tough competition and quality tournaments, which will test us every week. This challenge is exactly what we need to develop our scholar-athletes and prepare them to compete at the national level."
The season officially opens on Saturday, November 1 at the Luther Hill Invitational in Iowa. The schedule features major road tests, including the prestigious Midland Championships in Evanston, Illinois, on December 30.
Key Dates for War Hawks:
- Inaugural Home Dual: Wednesday January 19, vs. Schriener University.
- National Duals: January 9-10, at University of Northern Iowa.
- ESPN +: Sunday, January 18, at #6 Presbyterian College.
The War Hawks will compete for their first championship titles starting with the SLIAC Conference Tournament on February 13-14, followed by the Region 6 National Qualifier Tournament (Feb. 20-22) in their push to qualify for the NCAA Women's National Championship on March 6-7 in Coralville, Iowa.
With a strong foundation of talent and a challenging schedule, the McMurry Women's Wrestling team is poised to make a significant impact on the mat this season.
About McMurry University Athletics:
McMurry University is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), with the wrestling programs competing in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Located in Abilene, Texas, McMurry University is committed to developing scholar-athletes who excel academically and athletically.
