After much anticipation, the North Central women’s wrestling team will begin their inaugural season this month.
With just nine wrestlers on the roster, the athletes are preparing for the hard work and dedication it will take to make a good impression for the first year.
The team will be competing in the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association, which consists of 38 other colleges ranging from Division I to Division III. Head Coach Joseph Norton looks to make an impact right away.
“We have about three to four girls that are very tough and I expect them to win a lot of matches. I’d like to take every girl to the national tournament. If three of them get on the podium, that will be a good year,” said Norton.
One of those wrestlers that can help achieve that goal is Yelena Makoyed, ’23. Makoyed is a state champion from California in the 170-pound class. She is one of the top wrestlers on the team and is excited about the first season.
“I want to be an All-American and hopefully win nationals. We have nine girls to fill in about 13 weight classes. I want our small team to try as hard as we can and be a small family to get along,” said Makoyed.
Another key component of this team is a female presence. Assistant Coach Brittany Marshall is a helpful addition to the new squad. Marshall had a successful career in the WCWA. She wrestled for Wayland Baptist University, was a four-time All-American and a member of the 2017 USA national team.
The Head Coach Zach Cook recently came off a six-year tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse. Cook will circulate between the men and women teams. Marshall will put most of her focus on the women’s team.
“(Marshall) sets such an example for what they have to be like from a work ethic standpoint. She does every workout with them so they can look to her and see a girl that was a national champ,” said Norton.
The team will begin their season on Oct. 26 at the Adrian College open in Adrian, Michigan.
