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.

Audrey Jimenez delivered one of the most dominant freshman seasons in recent memory, earning The Open Mat's 2026 NCAA Women's Freshman of the Year honors.

Competing for Lehigh University, Jimenez arrived from Sunnyside High School -- a powerhouse program that has produced numerous All-Americans and national champions. She made her much-anticipated debut in late November and was dominant from the outset, winning all 13 of her dual matches before the postseason.

Jimenez finished a perfect 21-0 and captured the 110-pound title at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships. She recorded a 100% bonus rate, totaling seven pins, eight technical falls, and six forfeits, with none of her matches going to a decision.

She also claimed the NCAA Super Region 2 title, going 4-0 with three falls and a 14-4 technical fall over Teegan Sibble of East Stroudsburg in the finals.

At the 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships, Jimenez advanced to the finals with three technical falls before pinning Grand Valley State's Sage Mortimer -- a U23 World champion and returning national champion -- in 1:50. She was named Outstanding Wrestler of the event.

Jimenez, along with fellow Lehigh All-Americans Abbi Cooper (117) and Aubre Krazer (131), helped lead the Mountain Hawks to a sixth-place finish in their inaugural varsity season.