Moffit ’26 is Vikings’ first All-American in women’s wrestling

Senior wrestler Aine Moffit capped off a historic season for the Augustana Vikings by finishing seventh in the 138-pound division at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships, earning All-American honors and marking the Vikings’ best postseason finish in program history.

Competing in an 18-wrestler bracket, Moffit battled through a strong field during the two-day event. After a standout performance on the opening day, she advanced deep into the consolation bracket before falling to the No. 5-ranked wrestler from Lindenwood University by pin, which placed her in the seventh-place match.

In the final bout of her collegiate career, Moffit delivered a decisive performance, earning an 8-1 decision to become the first All-American for Augustana's five-year-old women’s wrestling program.

“This year I had two goals in mind, which was qualify for nationals and be an All-American,” Moffit said. “I completed both of those to close off my senior season, which is something that I’m super ecstatic about.

“The coaches have supported me and pushed me outside of my comfort zone, which allowed me to win some key matches at nationals. I’ve also had an awesome team that supports me and some outstanding practice partners who helped me train.”

Moffit, a pre-med major from LeClaire, Iowa, chose Augustana because it offered her the opportunity to continue wrestling while staying close to home and pursuing strong academics.

“When I started wrestling in college, it was sort of just a daydream to be an All-American," she said. "As I started growing as a wrestler, it became my goal that kept pushing me to get better in this sport."

According to Head Coach Tony Willaert, Moffit’s breakthrough season was the culmination of steady development and determination.

“We recruited Aine because she had the potential for this,” Coach Willaert said. “But she really showed us at the end of last year what she was truly capable of.”

Moffit narrowly missed qualifying for nationals last year but made the most of a late opportunity.

“She got in because of another athlete’s injury,” he said. “She made the blood round. This year she seemed on a mission so it's no surprise that she was able to achieve 7th place!”

Throughout the season, Coach Willaert emphasized consistency and confidence in her wrestling. “She trusted what we've done all year,” he said. “Also the things we were telling her as far as being calm and understanding situations in matches made a huge difference.”

For Moffit, one of the most meaningful aspects of her college career was competing on a team with all women for the first time. “I’ve had four years of a female team and have made some lifelong friendships that wouldn’t have been possible without the women’s wrestling program,” she said.

The hardest part of her journey, Moffit said, was overcoming multiple injuries. Trying to stay on top of her health and keep pushing through was tough.

Looking ahead, Moffit intends to study in Japan during her final semester before pursuing medical school and joining the Navy.

She leaves Augustana with a legacy of perseverance and excellence, making history as the program’s first All-American in women’s wrestling.