Alara Boyd returned to college competition even though she's not a college wrestler — yet. 

North Central hired Boyd as a graduate assistant on July 21 following a decorated college career. The former McKendree star was a three-time NCWWC (NCAA) finalist and 2021 national champion who was instrumental in three straight team titles (2020-22) for the Bearcats.

Her last college match was a 10-0 win over Lindenwood's Juliana Moreno on January 23 before announcing she would not continue competing due to a season-ending injury that required surgery. In addition to her college accolades, Boyd has been a mainstay on the international scene. She qualified for the 202One Olympic Trials, made four age-level World teams, and was a two-time U17 World medalist.

Boyd entered the North Central Women's College Open unattached and made quick work of three opponents. The Muncie, Indiana, native notched two techs and a fall before forfeiting in the finals to Augsburg's Nina Makem. 

She is scheduled to compete at the US National on December 15-17.

The Cardinal assistant still has a semester of college eligibility. Will we see Boyd in a North Central singlet next semester?