2024-2025 marked history as Waynesburg University introduced its Women’s Wrestling program. Karli Thomas entered her inaugural season as head coach after being hired in March of 2024. The team went 0-13 in their first year of existence.

“We want to win more this season,” Thomas said. “I want all my players to work hard and just do their best and I want to help them be better both on the mat and as people as well.”

Junior Kaylee Jegla went into the season wrestling for the first time. Jegla also plays for the Waynesburg women’s soccer team.

“It [wrestling] was always an interest of mine,” Jegla said. “My school didn’t have a girl’s wrestling team, so when I came here and we ended up getting one, I was excited. My soccer coach encouraged me to do it to strengthen my knee because I’ve had a couple of surgeries on it.” 

Jegla went 2-11 in the 138 and 145-pound weight classes, and she also recorded a pin against Buffalo State in Waynesburg’s first ever home match. 

Thomas mentioned both Jegla and Rylie Alexander both as leaders and just the excitement she has for both of them heading into the season.

“Kaylee and Rylie both have made progress from year 1 to year 2,” Thomas said. “I want them to show the newcomers the ropes, guide them, and make sure they know what’s going on as they attack the new season.”

Alexander and Jegla finished with a combined record of 4-18 in their first collegiate season. 

Jegla talked about her expectations for the season, what her goals were heading into her second year, and just the impact that coach Thomas had on her.

“I’m excited for all my basic skills I learned and to also learn some new moves that hopefully I can improve on,” Jegla said. “As for coach Thomas, she has taught me and the team a lot, especially perseverance and determination. Those have applied both on and off the mat.”

Thomas talked about her expectations heading into this season.

“Growth. Last year was a hard year,” Thomas said. “It was my first year coaching, and we only had eight girls. We have 13 to 14 girls this year and we are just looking to piggyback off last season.” 

The Women’s Wrestling team will start on Nov. 2 at the John Carroll Women’s Round Robin.