The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

Last summer, Kennedy Blades announced that she would be joining the Iowa women's wrestling team. Less than a month after her announcement, Blades proved on the highest stage that she is one of the world's best wrestlers, reaching the gold-medal match at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

After claiming an Olympic silver medal, Blades was expected to dominate in her first season of women's college wrestling.

Not only did Blades live up to those expectations by dominating her competition during the 2024-25 season but also put on a show every time she stepped on the mat.

On Thursday, Blades was named 2025 NCAA Women's Wrestler of the Year by The Open Mat.

Blades was undefeated and virtually unchallenged all season at 160 pounds. She posted a 25-0 record, which included 23 technical falls and two falls. Only two of Blades' matches reached the second period. In addition, she entertained crowds with big moves, including her suplay.

The Chicago native won tournament titles during the regular season at the Luther Hill Open and Soldier Salute. At the Soldier Salute, Blades won by technical fall in the finals over Life's Latifah McBryde, a 2025 NAIA national champion and three-time national finalist. She was named Soldier Salute Most Outstanding Wrestler.

At the regional tournament (Region 7), Blades was unscored upon, getting four 10-0 technical falls, with no match getting out of the first period.

Blades followed it up with another completely dominant performance two weeks later at the 2025 NCWWC National Championships. She cruised to the title at 160 pounds five technical fall shutouts, outscoring her opponents 53-0. Blades also helped the Hawkeyes repeat as national champions.