CORALVILLE, Iowa — West Liberty University's Cassia Zammit made program history this weekend, finishing fourth at 131 pounds and becoming the first All-American in West Liberty women's wrestling history at the inaugural 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championships held at Xtream Arena.
Unseeded, Zammit put together one of the tournament's most impressive runs, battling through a loaded bracket to reach the national podium.
Her historic finish comes during just the second season of the West Liberty women's wrestling program and in the first year women's wrestling has been contested as an official NCAA national championship sport.
"I felt good out there," Zammit said. "Obviously it wasn't exactly the ending that I wanted because I ended with a loss, but I'm really happy that I finished strong and just finished the match as best as I could. It felt good to come out with fourth."
Zammit continued her run on day two with two key victories in the consolation bracket to secure a spot in the third-place match.
She opened the day with a 6-4 decision over Makayla Paclib (Pitt.-Johnstown) before advancing with a 13-8 victory against Abigail Mozden (Mount Union) in the consolation semifinals.
Those wins guaranteed Zammit a top-four national finish and a place in the third-place match, where she again faced Aubre Krazer (Lehigh). Zammit ultimately finished fourth in the nation after Krazer secured a fall in the final bout.
Head coach Troy Bell praised Zammit's determination throughout the tournament.
"Cassia showed a lot of fight to get herself back into that third-place match," Bell said. "She was controlling that match and wrestling well. Sometimes in wrestling you make a small mistake and quality opponents capitalize on it. But the grit and intestinal fortitude she showed all weekend was unmatched. I'm incredibly proud of her."
Zammit earned her place on day two with a strong opening day that secured All-America status with a guaranteed top-eight finish.
She opened the championship with an 11-4 decision over Mackenzie Childers (Wartburg) in the preliminary round before adding a 3-0 victory against Janida Garcia (Emmanuel) in the first round of the championship bracket.
In the quarterfinals, Zammit battled Krazer in one of the closest matches of the round before falling by a narrow 3-2 decision. She responded in the consolation bracket with a dominant 12-1 technical fall over Madeline Barton (Quincy) to clinch a spot in the final eight.
Bell noted Zammit's path to the podium was even more impressive given where she started in the bracket.
"Not only was she unseeded, she had to wrestle in the pigtail just to get into the bracket," Bell said. "The self-reliance and toughness she showed all weekend was tremendous. Wrestling is the dress rehearsal for life, and the things she's learned through this sport are going to make her successful."
Zammit's performance not only earned her All-America honors, but also marked a historic milestone for the young West Liberty program.
Her fourth-place national finish stands as the program's first All-American performance, a significant achievement for a team in just its second season.
"Being able to have an All-American at the first NCAA championship speaks volumes about what we're building at West Liberty," Bell said. "Cassia is fundamentally one of the best wrestlers in the nation, and having someone like her in the room raises the level of everyone around her."
For Zammit, the accomplishment carried special meaning beyond the podium finish.
"It feels great," Zammit said. "Transferring here was the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm just really happy to represent West Liberty. I've got those rocks behind me now, and that's what matters most."
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
