The Blue Hose Women’s Wrestling team with Presbyterian College president Dr. Anita Gustafson.

In just its fifth year of existence, the Presbyterian College women’s wrestling team has carved its place among the nation’s elite, concluding the 2025 season with unprecedented achievements in both competition and the classroom.

The Blue Hose capped their historic run with a sixth-place finish at the NCWWC National Championships in Coralville, Iowa — the best in program history. A record six athletes earned All-American honors, and a school-best 16 team members were named NWCA Scholar All-Americans, underscoring the balance of grit and academic excellence that defines the team’s identity.

“For a program that began not long ago, what this team has accomplished is simply extraordinary,” said Presbyterian College president Dr. Anita Gustafson in a special campus celebration. “Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence — both athletically and academically — are a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete at PC. You’ve inspired us all.”

Climbing the Ranks

Under the leadership of head coach Brian Vutianitis, named Southeast Region Coach of the Year, the Blue Hose have steadily climbed the national ladder — finishing ninth in 2023, eighth in 2024, and now sixth in 2025.

“This isn’t just about placing higher,” said Vutianitis. “It’s about building a culture — one of accountability, resilience, and constant growth. Every athlete on this team contributes to that.”

That culture has produced results. Of the 14 PC wrestlers who qualified for nationals, eight advanced to Day 2 of competition, and six left Iowa as All-Americans — including three freshmen. First-year standout Carina Giangeruso led the way, placing fourth at 138 pounds and compiling a 33-5 record in her debut season.

“I hadn’t wrestled a full season in over two years, so the transition to almost 40 matches was a challenge,” Giangeruso said. “But I don’t regret a single early morning or late night. I may have fallen short of my goal to be a national champion, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

A sociology major from Columbus, N.J, Giangeruso credits PC’s tight-knit community for helping her thrive.

“The environment here is positive and hardworking — it’s infectious,” she said. “Coach V’s vision for the program is why I chose PC. I trusted him completely.”

Building a Legacy

Among the other All-Americans were Alyssa Mahan (8th at 124 lbs), Paige Wehrmeister (6th, 138 lbs), Maddie Kubicki (6th, 145 lbs), May Cuyler (6th, 160 lbs), and Maria Aiono (6th, 207 lbs). Kubicki became the first Blue Hose to earn back-to-back All-American honors under Vutianitis.

For Mahan, a sophomore special education major from Wilmington, Del., the season was a story of personal and athletic growth.

“I’ve improved so much since my freshman year — especially in trusting myself on the mat,” Mahan said. “I worked really hard this season, and although I didn’t wrestle my best at nationals, I was able to reach my goal of becoming an All-American.”

Her journey has not been without setbacks.

“College is hard,” she admitted. “I got my first D, and it really hit me. I’ve worked hard to bring my GPA up. Being named a Scholar All-American means the world because it recognizes that struggle — not just the wins in the gym, but in the classroom, too.”

Mahan now sets her sights on the U23 Women’s Nationals in Spokane and hopes to one day coach at the high school or college level.

A Team with Heart

The team’s rise has been about more than just wrestling. Henlee Haynes, a sophomore biology major from Panama City Beach, Fla., was one of eight Day 2 qualifiers and one of 16 Scholar All-Americans.

“Wrestling isn’t just about outcomes,” Haynes said. “It’s about appreciating the small things and pushing yourself every day — mentally and physically. Our sixth-place finish shows what trusting the process can do.”

Haynes said the community at PC has made all the difference.

“My teammates, coaches, and professors have created an amazing environment where I can thrive,” she said. “I came to PC to be part of something bigger than myself — and I found that here.”

Their collective achievement off the mat was equally impressive. To qualify for NWCA Scholar All-America, student-athletes must meet rigorous academic and athletic standards. PC had more honorees than any other team in its region — a testament to their dual commitment to scholarship and sport.

A Model Program

For Presbyterian College athletic director Dee Nichols, the success of the women’s wrestling team represents the best of collegiate athletics.

“What Coach Vutianitis and these extraordinary women have accomplished is nothing short of phenomenal,” Nichols said. “They’ve elevated the standard for what it means to be a Blue Hose — not only by competing at the highest level but by doing so with integrity, academic achievement, and heart. This team is a model for programs everywhere.”

As the program looks ahead, there’s already talk of bigger goals — podium finishes, national titles, and continued excellence in the classroom. But for Coach Vutianitis, the foundation is already in place.

“We don’t just want to win,” he said. “We want to grow — as wrestlers, as students, and as people. And as long as that remains our focus, I believe this program’s best days are still ahead.”

With a roster full of rising stars, veteran leadership, and a relentless work ethic, few would doubt him.