Pull open any bracket from the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships and you’ll notice a pattern. Colorado Mesa has been in the top five since the inaugural 2020 tournament. 

The Mavericks are among the nation’s elite even as teams get added and women’s freestyle wrestling gets more competitive. It’s a testament to the culture Travis Mercado has built in Grand Junction. 

Marissa Gallegos is the team’s assistant but in 2023 she was the program’s first national champion after four top-three finishes. Colorado Mesa has had at least six All-Americans over the past five national championships. 

Colorado Mesa At The National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships

Iowa officially entered the scene last season, Grand Valley State starts this year, and Menlo is coming soon. That’s on top of traditional powers King, McKendree, and North Central. Still, through all the changes, Colorado Mesa is near the top. 

Mercado returns six All-Americans to a team full of promise. The incoming freshman class may be his best yet, and a deep roster is fundamental with a maximum of 15 qualifiers for the national championships.

“This class of freshmen is tough and has added some amazing competition up and down the lineup,” Mercado said. “Early preseason practices have been really fun and competitive. It’s fun watching our team. Each girl believes they will be the starter and stand on the podium come March.

“We return six All-Americans who have been instrumental in our program's success over the past five years. Knowing that we have someone who can be All-American at every weight is exciting. Each lady on our team has a desire to be great and wants to contribute to our program’s success.”

Replacing All-Americans Holly Beaudoin and Dalia Garibay will be difficult, but Hailey Chapman returns from injury following a sixth-place finish in 2023. Jennesis Martinez is a four-time All-American (3-4-4-6), Jayleen Sekona (3-5-7) is a three-time All-American, and Isabella Morales has placed twice (7-7). Erica Schroeder (8) and Isabeau Shalack (7) have each placed once. 

Then there’s the freshmen class. Fargo All-Americans Madison Heinzer (103), Lorianna Piestewa (117), Marjorie McDaniel (117), Alejandra Valdiviezo (124), Gretchen Donally (160), and Maggie Smith (180) will push for starting spots this season. 

This season will be about development and how the proven stars come through. Real estate at the top is harder than ever to obtain, but a program-best finish is possible if the foundation is solid. 

Mercado’s track record proves that it will be. 

Colorado Mesa Profile

Head coach: Travis Mercado
2024 NCWWC finish: 5th
2024 NCWWC tournament points: 68.5
2024 NCAA tournament record: 24-23
2024 dual record: 11-5
Returning NCWWC qualifiers: 13
Returning NCWWC All-Americans: 6
Last NCWWC champion: Marissa Gallegos (2023)
Highest NCWWC team finish: 4th (2020, 2021, 2023)
Highest national team finish under Mercado: 4th (2020, 2021, 2023)

2024-25 Colorado Mesa Line-up