Manheim, Pa. – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) has released its preseason NCAA Women's Coaches Poll ahead of the 2026-27 women's wrestling season, highlighting the continued growth of Southern Virginia University's program.

Entering its fourth season, the Southern Virginia women's wrestling team continues to make an impact regionally and nationally. Sophomore Alexis Kirkland, a 160-pound wrestler from Layton, Utah, earned recognition as the No. 4 wrestler in her region among NCAA Division I, II and III programs. Region 3 also features three teams in the national top 10, the most of any region.

Kirkland made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign, leading the Knights with 19 wins while finishing the season with a 19-11 record.

Southern Virginia returns three wrestlers this season: Kirkland, Katie Ramsay and Seani Casperson. The returning group will be joined by seven newcomers as the Knights continue to build depth and develop their roster.

The Knights will open the 2026-27 season on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Mount Olive Tournament in Mount Olive, N.C. Competition is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

The NWCA Coaches Poll is determined by a panel of coaches representing each NCAA region. The rankings evaluate programs based on factors including overall performance, strength of schedule and individual wrestler accomplishments, providing a benchmark for teams competing at the national level.

For the full rankings and additional information, visit the official NWCA Women's Coaches Poll.