Bethlehem, PA – The launch and early progress of the Lehigh University women’s wrestling program took center stage on the latest episode of Mountain Hawk Talk, the official podcast of Lehigh Athletics. The show, hosted by senior journalism majors CJ Abell and Jasuah Philemon, featured interviews with Mountain Hawks Abbi Cooper and Kryssceah Ravenelle, providing an inside look at the team’s development and mindset as it navigates its inaugural season as a Division I program.
The conversation centered on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with building a wrestling program from the ground up. Cooper and Ravenelle discussed the culture they are actively fostering within the team, emphasizing a commitment to both athletic excellence and personal growth. The podcast explored how the team is approaching competition, focusing on establishing a strong foundation for future success. Listeners can access the full episode on Lehighsports.com/podcasts or through Spotify.
Lehigh’s investment in women’s wrestling reflects a growing trend in collegiate athletics. The program’s launch comes at a time of increasing participation and recognition for the sport, with women’s wrestling recently being named a provisional sport by the NCAA in 2024, paving the way for potential championship status in the future. This development is expected to further fuel the growth of the sport at all levels.
Both Cooper and Ravenelle have already made significant contributions to the Mountain Hawks’ early success. Cooper, wrestling at 117 pounds, recently secured a title at the Grand View Open on February 7, 2026, marking her third open tournament win of the season, according to LehighSports.com. Ravenelle, competing at 138 pounds, also placed at the Grand View Open, finishing in fifth place. The team as a whole currently boasts a dual meet record of 14-1, demonstrating a strong start to their competitive season, as reported by news-usa.today.
The Mountain Hawks recently split a tri-meet at Iowa on January 19, 2026, defeating Otterbein 32-11 before falling to the nationally ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 37-7. During the Otterbein match, Audrey Jimenez (110), Aubre Krazer (131), Cameron Millsapps (160) and Genevieve An (207) all secured victories by fall. Cooper and Ravenelle also contributed to the win with technical falls.
Looking ahead, Lehigh will be heading to West Virginia for the NCAA Super Region 2 Meet, as announced by Lehigh Athletics. The team will aim to build on its strong regular season performance and qualify wrestlers for the NCAA Championships. The program’s focus remains on continued development, fostering a positive team culture, and establishing itself as a competitive force in the rapidly growing world of collegiate women’s wrestling.
The success of athletes like Cooper and Ravenelle, combined with the dedication of the coaching staff and the support of the university, positions Lehigh Women’s Wrestling for a promising future. The team’s journey, as highlighted on Mountain Hawk Talk, offers a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
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