NCAA College Preview Series: Emmanuel College

Photo courtesy of Emmanuel College Athletics.

Entering their eighth season, NCAA program Emmanuel College has a strong program with an impressive history of putting competitive rosters on the mat, season after season. Last year alone the Lions finished the season ranked in the top 10 and tied for ninth in the team race at the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships. In the second year of a new coaching regime, they’ve added some new faces to the roster through recruiting and the transfer portal. Here’s a chat with head coach Bryce Killian.

1. What are your reflections on last season?
Last season had its highs and lows. As a dual team, we did not perform to the standards of the program, but we peaked at the end of the season. 7 National Qualifiers, 2 All-Americans, and a National Finalist was a good way to end the season. We are looking to build on that this year.

2. Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
Our returning class is headlined by our Team Captain and 3x All-American Cristina Santoyo, who is looking to stand on top of the podium this year! We are also returning two other National Qualifiers, Sam Larios and Gianna Anaya, who are looking to improve on their performances last season and push to become All-Americans.

3. Talk about your incoming freshmen class and/or transfers. Who are you excited about and what are some of the names that you expect an immediate contribution from?
We are very excited for our incoming freshman/transfer class this year. Our most decorated freshman who we are expecting to make an impact right away are Alyssa Arana, Catarina Velazquez and Aalijah Pineda. All had successful high school careers and are looking to continue that within the NCAA! The entire freshman class is eager to develop and help push our team to be better than we were last year. We also have a talented transfer, Esther Levendusky, who elevates our team this year by bringing both college experience and championship attitude.

4. How do you feel about your preseason?
Preseason training has been going great. We have a big focus on conditioning, strength training, and quality technique. The team is absorbing a lot of the information and the development is already noticeable. Our preseason conditioning has been a grind, but the team is pushing themselves to new levels every day.

5. Talk about some of your team's goals this season. Are there any specific events you're excited about?
We are focused on the development of our team culture. If we follow the core values we have established, the success as a team and individual will fall in place. We are looking forward to both the Missouri Valley Open and National Duals this year. We believe achieving little goals in our daily training will lead to big results.

6. What are some things you've built into your program that you credit for the success you've had so far?
As an established program in a rapidly growing sport, we have to continue to grow and build. Core values we instill are pride in the program and discipline to do the little things. It is important for us to keep building which is represented in our facilities where we just added a new mat, upgraded our weight room, as well as renovations to our locker room and bleachers.

7. Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture?
We have a lot of diverse personalities in our room that create a unique and positive atmosphere. Cristina Santoyo is a vocal leader who sets an example with her actions both in the wrestling room and classroom. She, like a lot of our roster, comes from the west coast which blends well with our southern personalities.