June 16, 2026
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club (IWWC) is proud to announce its first-ever Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships, welcoming University of Iowa wrestlers Kylie Welker and Everest Leydecker to the club’s growing network of athletes pursuing success at the collegiate, world, and Olympic levels.
The landmark partnerships reflect the IWWC’s commitment to supporting female wrestlers throughout their athletic journeys while strengthening the pathway from collegiate competition to international success.
“These are the first NIL partnerships in Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club history, and we couldn’t think of two better athletes to represent what we’re building,” said IWWC Past President Josh Schamberger. “Kylie and Everest are elite competitors with bright futures on the international stage. We’re proud of this new partnership that works to strengthen the connection in their between Iowa Wrestling, Team USA, and the Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club.”
The partnerships connect two of the most accomplished athletes in women’s wrestling—one already established among the world’s best senior-level competitors and another emerging as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
Welker is currently ranked No. 1 on Team USA at 76 kilograms and owns one of the most impressive international résumés in American wrestling. She is a 2025 U23 World champion, 2025 Senior World bronze medalist, 2024 Senior World bronze medalist, and 2024 U23 World champion. She has also earned medals at the U20 and U17 World Championships.
At the collegiate level, Welker has been equally dominant, winning NCWWC national titles in 2024 and 2025 before claiming the NCAA national championship in 2026. She is also a two-time U.S. Olympic Team Trials runner-up.
“The University of Iowa and the Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club have played a huge role in my development as both an athlete and a person,” said Welker. “This partnership means a lot because it allows me to continue building those relationships while pursuing my goals on the world stage. It’s also exciting to know that when my collegiate career is over, I’ll have a home here in Iowa and a support system that can help me continue chasing World and Olympic medals.”
Leydecker arrives in Iowa City as one of the nation’s most highly regarded recruits. Ranked as the No. 1 high school wrestler in the Class of 2026 by MatScouts, she will begin her collegiate career this fall with an international résumé already rivaling many veteran competitors.
In 2025, Leydecker captured a U20 World Championship and finished as runner-up at Final X. Her success has continued into 2026, earning spots on both the U20 and U23 U.S. World Teams while also qualifying for Final X to compete for a position on the Senior World Team.
“Coming to Iowa has always been about putting myself in the best environment to grow and reach my goals,” said Leydecker. “The opportunity to partner with the Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club is incredibly meaningful because it connects me with athletes and coaches who have experience competing at the highest levels. I’m excited to represent Iowa, continue developing, and pursue opportunities on World and Olympic Teams.”
“Supporting athletes at every stage of their development is central to our mission,” said Schamberger. “Kylie has already proven herself among the world’s elite, while Everest represents the next generation of international stars. Together, they showcase the strength of women’s wrestling in Iowa and the future of Team USA.”
The Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club’s NIL program provides opportunities for current student-athletes to benefit from partnerships while continuing to pursue excellence on the mat. Through these agreements, the club helps support athletes whose ambitions include NCAA championships, World Championships, and Olympic competition.
About the Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club
The Iowa Women’s Wrestling Club provides the coaching, training facilities, and financial support necessary for female athletes to compete for and win Olympic and world championships after completing their collegiate careers.
Many current student-athletes are driven to win NCAA titles, but also to represent Team USA at the top of the podium on an international stage.
IWWC provides these women the opportunity to focus on their training and travel to national and international competitions. In the process, they learn more about themselves and become prepared for a future after competition.
