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.

For the second straight season, Ashley Flavin of Life University has been named The Open Mat's NAIA Women's Coach of the Year.

Flavin led the Running Eagles to their second consecutive NAIA women's wrestling national championship, closing out another impressive season.

Life U finished No. 1 in The Open Mat's meet rankings with an 11-2 dual record. The Running Eagles also captured their third straight NWCA National Duals title in January, defeating William Penn 24-18 in the semifinals and Providence 32-11 in the finals.

In late February, Life continued its dominance at the Mid-South Conference Championships, winning its fourth consecutive team title and producing eight individual champions. Latifah McBryde earned Mid-South Conference Wrestler of the Year honors.

Two weeks later, Life U closed out the season with another national title at the 2026 NAIA Women's Wrestling Championships. Eight Running Eagles earned All-America honors, highlighted by Jamilah McBryde winning the national title at 145 pounds.