Jamestown, N.D. – Brieana Delgado of Central Methodist has been named the 2023 NWCA NAIA Women's National Coach of the Year, as announced by the National Wrestling Coaches' Association Thursday. 

The award, voted on by peers, recognizes the exceptional effort made by coaches throughout the season in developing and enhancing their program on campus and in the community. Defense Soap, the official hygiene partner of the NWCA, presented the award.

"Being named National Coach of the Year is truly an honor and I couldn't be more grateful," said Delgado. "This award is something that isn't just a reflection of me, but rather a reflection of the team and the athletes that I've been lucky enough to have an impact on. Building this program from the very beginning makes this award that much more special, and I can't wait for everyone to see us continue to grow and I'm excited to see more success in the future."

Coach Delgado is currently in her fourth season and has led the program since launching in 2019. This season her team was ranked as high as No. 7 in the final NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll, ending the regular season with an 11-3 dual record.

Recently, the Eagles finished third at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, their highest finish in program history. 

Mike Moyer, the NWCA Executive Director, said, "This is such an incredible weekend with the Inaugural NAIA Women's Championship and I'm very excited to help recognize Coach Brieana Delgado as the winner of this year's NAIA Women's National Coach of the Year. Brieana, in her short time, has done it all at Central Methodist and has built one of the top programs in the country."

Central has qualified 10 wrestlers to compete at the inaugural NAIA Women's National Championships this weekend in Jamestown, N.D. 

To view the full release from the NWCA on this year's NAIA National Coach of the Year, please click here. 

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