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.

Piper Fowler made an immediate impact, shining from her first collegiate tournament in early December through the final event of her freshman season, where she captured the NAIA national title at 180 pounds.

On Monday, Fowler was announced as The Open Mat's 2026 NAIA Women's Freshman of the Year.

One of the nation's top pound-for-pound recruits in the Class of 2025, Fowler quickly proved herself at the college level competing for William Penn.

The Tennessee native finished 23-3 with 14 pins while winning the national championship at 180 pounds. She also claimed titles at the North Central College Invite and the Midland Warrior Open.

Her postseason run began at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, where she pinned all three opponents in the first period. She carried that momentum into the NAIA Women's Wrestling National Championships, pinning all four opponents -- three in the first period -- to become the only wrestler in either the NAIA or NCAA to win a national tournament entirely by fall.

Her aggressive, attack-first style also earned her the 2026 WIN Magazine Women's Schalles Award, presented to the nation's top collegiate pinner.

Fowler recently announced plans to transfer to Iowa State, a new NCAA Division I women's wrestling program led by head coach Alli St. John. The Cyclones will begin competition in the 2027-28 season.