GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – With eight returners and nine newcomers, Davenport women's wrestling opens its 2026-27 season Nov. 1 at the Tiffin Open under first-year head coach Caitlin Cardenas.

"What excites me most about this team is their sheer drive and buy-in," Cardenas said. "They are genuine, hungry, and deeply committed to the process, qualities you don't see in every team. Their eagerness to learn every day is setting the foundation as we build a standard and make a name for Davenport Women's Wrestling."

Schedule Breakdown

Davenport opens its season with three November tournaments, beginning with the Tiffin Open on Nov. 1 before heading to the Alma Open on Nov. 8 and Adrian Open on Nov. 15. The Panthers travel to Lebanon, Ill., for the GLVC Duals on Dec. 4-5, followed by the NCC Open in Naperville, Ill., on Dec. 13 and Northern Open in Marquette, Mich., on Dec. 18.

The Panthers return to action at the Tiffin Duals on Jan. 9 before visiting Albion for a dual on Jan. 14 and competing at the Elmhurst Invite on Jan. 17. Davenport hosts Southwestern Michigan for Senior Day on Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. inside the Davenport Student Center, then closes January at the Indiana Tech Open on Jan. 29-30.

Davenport wraps up its regular-season tournament slate at the Bobcat Open in Frostburg, Md., on Feb. 7. NCAA postseason competition follows on Feb. 19-20 in Tiffin, Ohio, with the NCAA National Collegiate Wrestling Championships scheduled for March 5-6 in Coralville, Iowa.

A Look at the Lineup

Davenport's 17-member roster features eight returners and nine newcomers. Seniors Ava Niedzielski, who earned the GLVC James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award, and Libia Hernandez lead the returning group. Sophomores Faith Burgess, Lilyan Buyze, Victoria Carter, Fevin Coleman, Jordan Milanowski and Olivia Root also return. Last season against Albion, Root recorded a 34-second pin at 131 pounds, while Niedzielski and Adrianna Soria added victories.

Cardenas expects Buyze to help set the standard for the Panthers in her sophomore season.

"Lily is a leader who lets her actions do the talking, and those actions speak volumes," Cardenas said. "She is easily one of the hardest workers in our room, always holding herself to a high standard while showing up for her teammates."

The Panthers welcome juniors Tatiana Bermudez and Aaliyah Lee, sophomores Heaven Cole, Madelynn Portko and Mackenna Webster, and freshmen Adji-Marem Ba, Lark Ketchum, Molly Root and Serenity Sowers.

Among the newcomers, Cardenas highlighted Cole, a sophomore transfer ranked fourth in the region, as an athlete expected to make an immediate impact.

"We are grateful she chose Davenport to continue her athletic career, and we look forward to watching her build on that success here," Cardenas said.

Portko will also compete for Davenport for the first time this season, adding another athlete Cardenas is eager to see take the mat.

Preseason Poll

Davenport was selected seventh in the Great Lakes Valley Conference preseason coaches' poll with six points. McKendree topped the poll with 36 points and six first-place votes, followed by Grand Valley State with 31 points and the remaining first-place vote.

Building the Standard

As the Panthers begin a new chapter, Cardenas is focused on the daily work that can position the program for postseason success.

"This group works insanely hard every single day," Cardenas said. "The grit and commitment they bring to practice gives me total confidence that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to."

That commitment supports a larger goal: qualifying for regional competition and pursuing the program's first appearance at the NCAA National Collegiate Wrestling Championships.

"Our goal for the season is to have fun and enjoy the process," Cardenas said.