Hawkeyes Close Out U23 in Spokane

SPOKANE, Wa. – Iowa freshman Bella Williams and incoming freshman Everest Leydecker capped a strong weekend for the Hawkeyes with standout performances in the U23 division at the 2026 Women’s National Championships.

Williams placed second at 65 kg, finishing as runner-up just two days after claiming the U20 title at 62 kg. She competed up a weight class from her U20 run and above her collegiate weight of 131 pounds.

Leydecker captured the U23 title at 57 kg, adding to her U20 championship from 48 hours earlier. She outscored her opponents 117-8 across the weekend, recording 11 bonus-point victories.

Six of Iowa’s seven entries at the U23 Women’s National Championships advanced to the quarterfinals including Ava Bayless (53 kg), Cali Leng (55 kg), Emily Frost (59 kg), and Skye Realin (62 kg).