Lehigh University Athletics
Photo by: USA Wrestling
Jimenez Wins Anthony-Maroulis Trophy as Top Women's College Wrestler
4/2/2026 10:15:00 AM | Women's Wrestling
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Lehigh sophomore Audrey Jimenez has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 USA Wrestling Anthony-Maroulis Trophy, presented to the nation's best women's college wrestler.
Jimenez emerged from a group of five finalists, with three constituent groups – women's college wrestling head coaches, national wrestling media, and fans, with each group accounting for one-third of the final vote.
The USA Wrestling Anthony-Maroulis Trophy is named after Victoria Anthony and Helen Maroulis, who are the first four-time women's college national champions.
In her first season of competition for the first-year varsity Lehigh women's wrestling program, Jimenez went 21-0 on the way to the NCAA Championship at 110 pounds. She had a perfect 100 percent bonus rate, with seven falls, eight technical falls and six wins via forfeit. None of Jimenez's matches in 2025-26 went to a decision.
"It's an honor to receive the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy," Jimenez said. "They have both been huge role models, and I'm fortunate to have spent time with them and experienced their humor, humility, and willingness to give back and help others. I appreciate all they have done for the sport through their insane talent, work ethic, knowledge, and authentic characters."
At the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships, Jimenez won her first three matches by technical fall before pinning Grand Valley State's Sage Mortimer in the finals. Jimenez went on to win the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the NCAA Championships as well as the NCAA's Most Dominant Wrestler Award for the 2025-26 season.
The Anthony-Maroulis Trophy comes one week after Jimenez was named the NCAA Wrestler of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
"This award couldn't have gone to a more deserving human," Lehigh head coach Brazel Marquez said. "I'm so proud of Audrey. Not many people know the kind of year she has had behind the scenes, so for her to see, hear and reap the fruits of her hard labor make me the happiest. This one is special not only because it's the first year, but because of everything behind the scenes it took to get here. Audrey is a great student, a great leader, a great teammate, and a great person."
Prior to her debut college season, Jimenez had a busy summer and fall on the international freestyle circuit as she represented the United States at 50 kg at the U20, U23 and Senior World Championships, bringing home silver medals at the U20 and U23 tournaments. She has now won six age group world medals in her international career.
"USA Wrestling is proud to present the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy to Audrey Jimenez, who has represented Lehigh University and Team USA with exceptional effort and class on and off the mat," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. "It was a monumental year for women's college wrestling, and Audrey played a critical role in elevating the sport through her performances this season."
Other finalists for the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy included NCAA Champions Kennedy Blades and Kylie Welker of Iowa and NAIA Champions Erin Hikiji of Providence and Cristelle Rodriguez of Doane.
This is the fourth year that the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy has been awarded. The award was created with the intent of being similar to the Hodge Trophy in men's college wrestling and the Heisman Trophy in college football.
The 2025-26 Lehigh wrestling season is presented by the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
Jimenez emerged from a group of five finalists, with three constituent groups – women's college wrestling head coaches, national wrestling media, and fans, with each group accounting for one-third of the final vote.
The USA Wrestling Anthony-Maroulis Trophy is named after Victoria Anthony and Helen Maroulis, who are the first four-time women's college national champions.
In her first season of competition for the first-year varsity Lehigh women's wrestling program, Jimenez went 21-0 on the way to the NCAA Championship at 110 pounds. She had a perfect 100 percent bonus rate, with seven falls, eight technical falls and six wins via forfeit. None of Jimenez's matches in 2025-26 went to a decision.
"It's an honor to receive the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy," Jimenez said. "They have both been huge role models, and I'm fortunate to have spent time with them and experienced their humor, humility, and willingness to give back and help others. I appreciate all they have done for the sport through their insane talent, work ethic, knowledge, and authentic characters."
At the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships, Jimenez won her first three matches by technical fall before pinning Grand Valley State's Sage Mortimer in the finals. Jimenez went on to win the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the NCAA Championships as well as the NCAA's Most Dominant Wrestler Award for the 2025-26 season.
The Anthony-Maroulis Trophy comes one week after Jimenez was named the NCAA Wrestler of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
"This award couldn't have gone to a more deserving human," Lehigh head coach Brazel Marquez said. "I'm so proud of Audrey. Not many people know the kind of year she has had behind the scenes, so for her to see, hear and reap the fruits of her hard labor make me the happiest. This one is special not only because it's the first year, but because of everything behind the scenes it took to get here. Audrey is a great student, a great leader, a great teammate, and a great person."
Prior to her debut college season, Jimenez had a busy summer and fall on the international freestyle circuit as she represented the United States at 50 kg at the U20, U23 and Senior World Championships, bringing home silver medals at the U20 and U23 tournaments. She has now won six age group world medals in her international career.
"USA Wrestling is proud to present the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy to Audrey Jimenez, who has represented Lehigh University and Team USA with exceptional effort and class on and off the mat," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. "It was a monumental year for women's college wrestling, and Audrey played a critical role in elevating the sport through her performances this season."
Other finalists for the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy included NCAA Champions Kennedy Blades and Kylie Welker of Iowa and NAIA Champions Erin Hikiji of Providence and Cristelle Rodriguez of Doane.
This is the fourth year that the Anthony-Maroulis Trophy has been awarded. The award was created with the intent of being similar to the Hodge Trophy in men's college wrestling and the Heisman Trophy in college football.
The 2025-26 Lehigh wrestling season is presented by the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
Players Mentioned
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