OSKALOOSA — One more accolade has been awarded to Esther Kolawole (Fr., Akure, Nigeria, Kinesiology) to recognize her incredible season as she was named both NAIA Women’s Wrestler of the Year and NAIA Women’s Freshman of the Year by The Open Mat.

Following a 2024 summer where she competed in the Olympics for her home country of Nigeria, Kolawole debuted for William Penn in January at 138 pounds.  She immediately crushed all of her competition, winning tournament titles at Indiana Tech, Grand View, and Baker.

The freshman then bumped up a weight class to 145 pounds and still rolled through the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship with a 3-0 record.

Her season culminated with an NAIA National Championship title at 145 pounds.  Despite being the No. 3 seed, she went 5-0 with four technical falls.  She eventually defeated the No. 1 seed and defending national champion 12-5 in the finals.

Kolawole finished the year at 23-0 with 19 technical falls and two falls.

Ashley Flavin of Life (Ga.) was named NAIA Coach of the Year.