Naomi Simon Returns to Iowa Women's Wrestling Team

The U20 World bronze medalist returns from a redshirt season to compete for a starting spot.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Wrestling

Naomi Simon Returns to Iowa Women's Wrestling Team

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After completing a redshirt year during the 2026 season, wrestler Naomi Simon has returned to the Iowa women's wrestling team. She is now set to challenge for a position in the starting lineup.

Why it matters

Simon took the 2026 season off to redshirt because Kylie Welker previously occupied the starting spot at 180 pounds. Her return significantly bolsters the team's depth and competitive options for the upcoming campaign.

Simon concluded her freshman campaign with a 38-4 record at 180 pounds and went 9-2 while competing unattached during her redshirt year. She currently trains four times per week with Libby Dix, the only other wrestler at 207 pounds.

The players

Naomi Simon

She is a decorated wrestler and a U20 World bronze medalist who previously starred at Decorah High School.

Libby Dix

She is a member of the Iowa women's wrestling team and currently serves as the sole wrestler at the 207-pound weight class.

Kylie Welker

She is a collegiate wrestler who previously held the starting spot at 180 pounds for the University of Iowa.

The details

Simon, who finished third at the 2025 national tournament, maintains her training regimen at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado. She will compete for a starting lineup spot at either 180 or 207 pounds for the 2026-27 season.

In 2024, Simon helped Decorah win a state team title.
Simon finished third at the national tournament in 2025.
In 2026, Simon completed a redshirt season with the team.
Simon will compete for a starting spot throughout the 2026-27 season.

Season Trajectory

Simon training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center highlights the professionalization of collegiate wrestling programs. Her return impacts the team's internal competitive balance as she challenges established starters for weight class dominance.

Simon will now pressure the starting rotation at two distinct weight classes, potentially forcing shifts in the Iowa lineup. Fans should monitor whether she displaces current starters or forces a reorganization at the 180 and 207-pound levels.

The takeaway

Simon is a versatile competitor who can transition between the 180 and 207-pound weight classes based on team needs. Her return demonstrates the strategic importance of redshirt years in allowing elite athletes to develop before challenging for major lineup spots.