Brooke Zejda‘s All-Conference Honors Highlight the Rise of Women’s Wrestling in College Sports
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 20, 2025) — Brooke Zejda of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) second-team honors, a notable achievement in her burgeoning wrestling career. This recognition comes as the Pioneers prepare for the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championship Regionals, hosted by TWU this Saturday.
The Dallas native’s impressive season culminated in this first career All-Conference award. Zejda’s success wasn’t confined to a single tournament; she consistently delivered strong performances throughout the year, achieving multiple top-five finishes at various competitions. Her dedication and skill were clearly evident.
Zejda’s standout performances in dual meets further solidified her position among the conference’s elite. She secured an 11-0 tech fall victory against Tarleton State, a hard-fought 10-9 decision win over Simon Fraser, and a dominant 16-4 tech fall win over Chadron State. Her consistent excellence culminated in a second-place finish at the RMAC Tournament Championships.
I’m very proud of Brooke’s career here at TWU,said Head Coach Randi miller.In just a short time, she has developed into a great student-athlete.
The RMAC All-Conference second team also included several other notable wrestlers from across the conference. The complete list is as follows:
| Weight | player | School | Yr. | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | Mana Chanthasone (2) | Chadron State | So. | Liberal, Kansas |
| 110 | Sophia Cornish | Colorado Mesa | Fr. | Mission Viejo, California |
| 117 | Maddie Mackenzie (2) | Simon Fraser | Sr. | Calgary, Alberta |
| 124 | Bella Devoto | Adams State | Jr. | Santa Rosa, California |
| 131 | Brooke Zejda | Texas Woman’s | Jr. | Dallas, Texas |
| 138 | Jade Trolland (1) | Simon Fraser | R-Sr. | Abbotsford, British Columbia |
| 145 | Celina Cooke | Colorado Mesa | Jr. | Sparks, Nevada |
| 160 | Gretchen Donally | Colorado Mesa | Fr. | Ballantine, Montana |
| 180 | Alison Evans | Colorado Mesa | Fr. | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| 207 | Esther Peters | Chadron State | Fr. | McKinney, Texas |
| Symbols in parentheses: (1) was a first Team All-RMAC selection in 2024; (2) was a Second Team All-RMAC selection in 2024. | ||||
Now, Zejda and her fellow Pioneers set thier sights on the Regional tournament, taking place this saturday at Kitty Magee Arena in Denton, texas, starting around 10 a.m. A strong performance here will secure their place at the NCWWC nationals in Coralville, Iowa, the ultimate goal for this talented team.
Headline:
The Dawn of a New Era: How Brooke Zejda and Women’s Wrestling Are Redefining College Sports
Opening Statement:
Imagine an emerging sport that transforms countless lives and reshapes the landscape of collegiate athletics—welcome to the world of women’s wrestling, prominently highlighted by Brooke zejda’s groundbreaking achievements at Texas Woman’s University (TWU).
Interview with jane Anderson,Senior Analyst at Women in Wrestling Progress:
Editor: The recognition of brooke Zejda with All-Conference honors is a significant milestone.How do you see her achievements impacting the future of women’s wrestling in college sports?
Jane Anderson:
Brooke Zejda’s recognition as an All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference second-team athlete is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a beacon for the entire women’s wrestling community. Her hard-fought victories, like her tech fall against Tarleton State and the well-earned decision win over Simon Fraser, showcase the rising standards and skill level in this sport. Zejda’s success paves the way for more women to view wrestling as a viable and respected college sport, challenging traditional gender norms and bringing much-needed visibility and funding to the program.
Editor: Women’s wrestling has long trailed behind its male counterpart in terms of visibility and resources. What basic changes have been driving its rapid rise at the collegiate level?
Jane Anderson:
The surge in women’s wrestling is attributable to several key factors. First, there’s been a systemic push for Title IX compliance, ensuring equal opportunity for female athletes across all sports, including wrestling. Advocacy groups and dedicated coaching staff have worked tirelessly to introduce and develop wrestling programs for women at various institutions, creating a robust pipeline for talent development.Additionally, the influence of triumphant female wrestlers at the high school and Olympic levels has inspired a new generation of athletes. The recognition of athletes like Brooke Zejda further fuels this momentum, spotlighting the need for continuing investment and community support.
Editor: Brooke Zejda mentioned many victories,but what do you find most remarkable about her journey and contributions to women’s wrestling?
Jane Anderson:
Brooke Zejda’s journey stands out due to her consistent excellence on the mat and her role as an ambassador for the sport off it. Her undefeated performances against formidable opponents like Chadron State exemplify her dedication and mastery.However, beyond her physical prowess, Zejda has shown remarkable leadership, inspiring her peers and fostering a strong sense of community on and off the mat. Her commitment benefits the entire ecosystem of women’s wrestling by encouraging broader participation and interest.
Editor: The teams include multiple athletes from various schools across the conference. How significant is this diversity in the RMAC for building a competitive and inclusive surroundings?
Jane Anderson:
The diversity of the RMAC All-Conference team, with athletes from schools like Colorado Mesa, Simon Fraser, and Chadron State, enriches the competitive landscape and fosters an environment of inclusivity and excellence. It promotes cross-regional collaboration and learning, enabling athletes to exchange techniques, strategies, and cultural insights that enhance their personal and athletic growth. This diversity not only strengthens individual programs but also amplifies the collective strength of women’s wrestling nationwide.
Editor: With Brooke Zejda’s team preparing for the Regionals and perhaps the NCWWC nationals, what can other young athletes learn from their approach?
Jane Anderson:
Young athletes can take several lessons from zejda’s approach: resilience, strategic growth, and a team-first mentality are paramount. The Pioneers’ planning for the Regionals, emphasizing both individual performance and team cohesion, serves as a model for aspiring wrestlers. Teams like TWU’s focus extensively on technique refinement, mental fortitude, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing competition dynamics. This holistic approach not only prepares athletes for high-stakes competitions but also for life beyond the mat.
Editor: As women’s wrestling continues to grow,what key steps should stakeholders take to ensure its sustainable development?
Jane Anderson:
To sustain this growth,stakeholders,including collegiate athletic departments,sponsors,and governing bodies,must invest in infrastructure and development programs. This includes expanding training facilities, increasing scholarships, and ensuring equal media coverage to draw broader audiences. Leadership from programs like TWU can inspire other schools to adopt similar models, focusing on creating supportive environments for athletes to thrive both academically and athletically. Continued advocacy and community engagement will also be crucial in keeping the momentum alive.
Final Thoughts:
Brooke Zejda and her fellow athletes are not just competitors; thay are trailblazers setting the stage for a new era in women’s wrestling. As this sport continues to gain traction and maturity, the balance between individual excellence and collective effort will remain vital.Share your thoughts on the future of women’s wrestling in the comments below or on social media using the hashtag #RisingMatStars. How do you see Brooke Zejda’s legacy inspiring future generations?