Submitted by The Evergreen State College
The women’s wrestling team at The Evergreen State College will start the 2024-25 season by competing at the Simon Fraser University Open on Saturday, Nov. 2. in Burnaby, British Columbia. Matches are set to begin at 10 a.m.
Three Evergreen women’s wrestlers were nationally ranked in the preseason listings for the NAIA. Flor Parker Borrero (Jr.), Nizhoni Tallman (Sr.), and Erica Grant (So.). Parker Borrero (Jr.) was ranked #3 in the 160-pound weight class behind Latifah McBryde of Life at #1 and Josette Partney of Missouri Baptist University at #2. Nizhoni Tallman (Sr.) was listed #11 at the 110-pound weight class. Erica Grant (So.) was tied for #14 in the 124-pound weight class.
All three of the Geoducks’ nationally ranked athletes competed at last year’s NAIA Championships. Parker Borrero was named All-America at the end of the NAIA Championships. Another top competitor Evergreen is Ellabelle Taylor (So.), who also qualified for the NAIA Championships in 2023-24.
“We’re thrilled about the upcoming season and excited to welcome back some incredible talent,” Head Coach Fan Zhang commented. “Jasmine (Flor Parker Borrero), who earned NAIA All-American honors last year, is coming back stronger than ever and is ready to make a run for the championship. Nizhoni, also an All-American at the US wrestling U23 Nationals, will bring her skills and determination to the mat again, adding great depth to our team. Erica, a national qualifier, has been training hard and is poised to make a big impact this season as well.”
A top newcomer for Evergreen is Zeta Lee (Fr.). Lee is from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington.
“We’re also excited to welcome Zeta Lee, a three-time state champion, who’s a significant addition to our program,” Zhang said. “Zeta is ready to jump in and compete for Evergreen, and her presence adds incredible potential to our roster. This season holds a lot of promise, and we’re looking forward to seeing what this team can achieve together.”
The Geoducks will host a big wrestling weekend on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19, 2024. On Jan. 18, Evergreen will play dual matches against Cascade Collegiate Conference opponents Eastern Oregon University and Westcliff University (Calif.), starting at 5 p.m. PST. On Jan. 19, the Geoducks will be at home for the Evergreen Open.
