Nyla Valencia Joins Hawkeye’s Inaugural Class

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Nyla Valencia has signed a national letter of intent to join the University of Iowa wrestling program in 2022. Head coach Clarissa Chun made the announcement Thursday.

“Nyla is an incredible person that works diligently to achieve big aspirations,” Chun said. “She is competitive in the classroom and on the mat. She found Iowa to be the perfect fit for her and I know she is a perfect fit for this program.”

The Morgan Hill, California, native is ranked third at 106 pounds in the National Girls High School Rankings. She won a title at 106 pounds in the inaugural USA Wrestling High School National Showcase in Coralville, Iowa. She also won a 106 pound title at the CIF State Championships as a sophomore.

“It was important to me to have an impact on women’s wrestling while pursuing my dreams and aspirations, first as a collegiate and international champion on the mat, and then as a heart surgeon in an operating room,” Valencia said. “I truly believe that under Clarissa Chun’s leadership I can develop into a world class athlete. I want to be a part of a team that is a pioneer in women’s wrestling. For these reasons I have chosen the University of Iowa.

Valencia has won two Super 32 titles, first in 2019 and then again in 2021. She won a 106-pound title at the 2021 National Recruiting Showcase.

Valencia will train in Iowa City and compete unattached in 2022-23. Iowa announced in September 2021 it would become the first Division I Power Five school to add women’s wrestling. The Hawkeyes begin competing in 2023-24.