The University of the Cumberlands women's wrestling team just got better.

Katie Gomez, a 2023 US Open champion, will compete for the Patriots this season at either 117 or 124. She is the prohibitive favorite if she wrestles at the lighter weight, but a potential showdown with Doane's Cristelle Rodriguez will be a storyline to follow. 

Rodriguez, the returning 123-pound NAIA champion, won the 2024 U20 World Championships at 55 kg. Gomez is a 2021 Cadet World champion. Both were California high school stars. 

"I decided on Cumberlands because I was looking to start my education," Gomez said. "Cumberlands is a place where I can wrestle a college season but keep my main focus on my senior-level career."

Cumberlands won Women's College Nationals in 2006 and 2007, and the WCWA Championships in 2008. 

Gomez posted her announcement on Instagram.