Providence coach Matt Atwood was understandably excited as the team’s first official practice was underway. He looked around the room and saw loads of talent working cohesively toward a common goal. 

It’s early, but the Argos have a championship team on their hands. 

“Our room has been incredible so far this year,” Atwood said. “Time will tell how things iron out.”

The 2023 NAIA Championships provided a glimpse into the rise of a women’s program based out of Great Falls, Montana. Providence placed fifth with 102 points, six All-Americans, two finalists, and one champion. 

Southern Oregon scored 160 points last season and ran away with the title, but the return of several All-Americans and the addition of top high school prospects has the team on a quest for the Golden Fleece. 

A quick glance at the roster and it’s easy to figure out Atwood’s recruiting philosophy: create a pipeline from Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and, of course, Montana, to Providence. 

All-Americans Erin Hikiji (101), Paige Respicio (130), Waipuilani Estrella-Beauchamp (136), Sadie Antoque (155), and Lexi Tupuola (191) return to a team that could have six freshmen in the line-up. 

Paige Morales will likely make an immediate impact after committing to Central Methodist but transferred to Providence earlier this year. It takes depth to win an NAIA title since up to 12 wrestlers can qualify for nationals. This team has plenty of it. 

Atwood has built a top-tier team that will have its say on the final day of the 2024 NAIA Championships in Jamestown, North Dakota. 

Prospective Line-up
101: Erin Hikiji - Sophmore - Returning National Runner-Up
101: Isa Bocanegra - Freshman - U17 Pan Am Gold Medalist
109: Paige Morales - Freshman - U15 World Silver, Super 32 Champ, California Champ, Fargo Champ
116: Ani Arias - Freshman - California Champ
116: Isabelle Asuncion - Freshman - 2x Hawaii Champ
123: Alicia Frank - Sophmore - National Qualifier
123: Alyssa Randles - Freshman - 4x Idaho Champ
130: Paige Respicio - Junior - 3x All-American
136: Waipuilani Estrella-Beauchamp - 2x All-American, 2021 National Champ
143: Dylan Huddy - Junior - National Qualifier
155: Sadie Antoque - Junior - 2x All-American
155: Kacey Lee Pua - Sophmore - National Qualifier
170: Joji Miner-Ho - Senior - National Qualifier
170: Katelyn Lewis - Sophmore - National Qualifier
191: Lexi Tupuola - Senior - All-American
191: Bianca Pesole - Freshman - California State Placer

Providence at the NAIA Championships
2023: 5th
2022: 7th
2021: 15th
2020: Canceled (COVID)
2019: 16th

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Paige Morales had a dominant win during last year's Super 32 finals