Gomez transfers to Iowa State after one season at McKendree
Iowa State women's wrestling continues to build one of the most impressive inaugural rosters in the sport.
Gabriella Gomez, a three-time Illinois state champion and 2022 U17 world silver medalist, has transferred from national champion McKendree to join head coach Alli St. John's program as it builds toward its first NCAA season in 2027-28. The Carol Stream, Ill., native competed at 117 and 124 pounds for the Bearcats during the 2025-26 season.
When she entered the transfer portal in April, Gomez wrote on social media: "Thank you MCK for everything it has taught me on and off the mat. The relationships, lessons, and growth I've experienced here will always mean a lot to me. With that being said, I have officially entered the transfer portal with 4 years of eligibility remaining. And excited for this new chapter in my life."
The move carries a layer of personal significance. Her brother Austin, a three-time Illinois state champion, wrestled at Iowa State and represented Mexico at the 2024 Paris Olympics at 65 kilograms.
Gomez arrives in Ames with one of the most accomplished high school resumes in Illinois girls wrestling history. She won the inaugural IHSA Girls Individual Finals title in 2022 as a freshman at 105 pounds, going a perfect 12-0, then won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Her third championship came at 115 pounds, capping a perfect 42-0 season with a 4-3 decision over Loyola Academy's Harlee Hiller. On the international stage, she earned a silver medal at the 2022 U17 World Championships at 46 kilograms and was ranked No. 1 nationally in her weight class during her high school career.
Gomez joins a Cyclones roster that St. John has assembled quickly. Iowa State has also added NAIA national champions Piper Fowler and Christianah Ogunsanya from William Penn, Campbellsville transfer Makennah Craft, U20 World fifth-place finisher Daniella Nugent from Oklahoma State, four-time undefeated Iowa state champion Molly Allen, Iowa undefeated state champion Greta Brus and Arizona standout Brooklyn Perez. St. John, a two-time world silver medalist, is building the program from the ground up ahead of its 2027-28 debut.