NCAA College Preview Series: #2 King

Ana Luciano getting control during Wednesday’s 136-pound match vs. Emmanuel. Photo courtesy of King University Athletics

by Derek Levendusky
Twitter: @AWWderek

BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - NCAA #2 King University got things started last Wednesday in Georgia with a 44-2 thumping of the #5 program, Emmanuel. They’re returning thirteen All-Americans and look to close the gap on rival McKendree, as the Tornado had a tight dual with them last season, then finishing second behind them at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships. Cheyenne Sisenstein, the 2021 national champ, is also returning and ready to make a run at going back-to-back. Their recruiting class is the envy of the NCAA, not to mention 2x All-American transfer Vayle Baker.

Here’s an interview with head coach Jason Moorman.

1. What are your reflections on last season?
Last season was one nobody had experienced before with the pandemic. We made a commitment on day one that we were going to handle it better than anyone. Obviously there was some adversity, but I was really impressed with how the women in our program stayed positive and driven throughout. We talk about E+R=O, meaning there will be events that will happen in our lives that we have zero control over, but what we can control is our response. How we respond will impact what the final outcome will be, these women responded tremendously. We competed well all year, had some exciting duals, finished 2nd at National Championship; had 13 All Americans, one national champ, 13 scholar All Americans, and we qualified several to Olympic Trials. We also had two make U23 world team (Ortega and Sisenstein) and topped it off watching one of our alum, Sarah Hildebrandt bring home bronze medal from Tokyo.

2. Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
Man all of our returners are so great. We have high expectations for every one of them. We have five three-time All-Americans in McNichols (101), Sisenstein (123), Luciano (136), Ortega (143), and Crosdale (170) returning. We also have Mirabella (116), Mendoza (116), and Torres (155) who immediately made an impact last year, all three earning AA honor as well. Obviously Luciano and Ortega are extremely hungry for a championship, as all of our women are, but those two have been very close. The same can be said for Jackie McNichols. The National Championship semifinal round is her nemesis. She has been there last two years, losing to someone she has had wins over. She has worked very hard since to win that mental battle, so excited to see what she does this year as well. We have a few changing weight classes, so excited to see them compete. Everyone wants to be at their best come March and make a run.

3. Talk about your incoming freshmen class. Who are some names you expect an immediate contribution from?
We had a fantastic recruiting class. I think you are going to see an impact from all of them right from the start. We have Dianna Holmes (109), Samara Chavez (109/116), Sage Mortimer (109/116), Vayle Baker (transfer from Augsburg) at 123, Montana Delawder (130), London Houston (136), and Cheyenne Bowman (155). They all have immediately made a presence in the room, and you may see some shuffling in the starting lineup because of it. That’s what we want here at King. You have to bring your A game every day, because somebody is waiting to take that spot.

4. How do you feel about your preseason?
I feel like we had a great preseason. We took couple different approaches when it comes to technique, which we are excited to see tested in competition. Our lifting has been great—they work so hard at improving every day we are in the weight room. Best thing about preseason is how quickly the newcomers bought in. Everybody is on board and it’s exciting to see.

5. Talk about some of your team's goals this season. Are there any specific events you're excited about?
We love anytime we can test our training. Obviously bigger tournaments like Moval Open [the Missouri Valley Open]; National Duals are a lot of fun. We are looking forward to participating in Midlands Invitational which will be the first time they have women’s division, which is exciting. And then obviously National Championships and the USA spring schedule.

Those are events that we look forward to, but our focus is on the present. We have to be better today than we were yesterday, and same goes for tomorrow. We try not to get too wrapped up in things too far down the road, our focus is on today.

6. What are some things you've built into your program that you credit for the success you've had so far?
Our culture is built upon a focus of being Elite, and by elite I mean the best version of ourselves. You hear that everywhere in today’s society, but I think there is a big difference in saying it and living it, because trying to live that way every day is extremely difficult. So we learn HOW to do that. How to handle the adversity when it hits us smack in the face. How to force ourselves out of our comfort zone, knowing we are very likely to make mistakes or fail, because when we know when we do we will learn and grow. I think that sums up the process here at King, and it’s constant work. We love it.

7. Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture?
Obviously our seniors are phenomenal leaders. They maintain a positive environment and lead by example. That’s is why they are going to be so successful in life. I see leadership skills in just about everyone them, which is why they are such a great fit here. What shapes our culture is the character of each person we have on this team. Their character is incredible.