SPOKANE, Wash. – Shannon Workinger (Sr.) from The Evergreen State College earned second place in the 72-kilogram weight class (158.7 lbs.) at the 2026 USA Women's Wrestling National Championships in the Under-23 division on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 at The Podium. Workinger earned All-America status and qualified for the USA National Team.

Ellabelle Taylor (Jr.) of Evergreen placed sixth in the 57-kilogram weight class (125.7 lbs.) in the Under-23 division. She received All-American honors.

It was the second consecutive year that Workinger qualified for the USA National Team with a second place finish at the Women's Wrestling National Championships. In 2025, Workinger took second place in the 68-kilogram weight class (149.9 lbs.).

"As a three-time USA National finalist, Shannon Workinger shows what dedication really looks like," said Evergreen Head Women's Wrestling Coach Fan Zhang. "I'm proud to be her coach and witness her growth every step of the way.

"Ellabelle Taylor became an All-American, and after securing her All-American win, she injured her nose," Zhang noted. "But she is the toughest wrestler I have ever coached -- she kept competing and finished in sixth place. I'm so proud to coach her and be part of her journey."

Overall, six Geoducks competed at this year's Women's Wrestling National Championships. In addition to Workinger and Taylor, other Evergreen wrestlers participating in the Under-23 division were Karen Salas (So.) and Viktoriya Dovhoruka (Jr.). Salas wrestled in the 50-kilogram weight class (110.2 lbs.), while Dovhoruka competed in the 76-kilogram weight class (167.6 lbs.).

Grace Cooper (So.) and Ariana Cavero-Santiago participated in the Under-20 division. Cooper competed in the 65-kilogram weight class (143.3 lbs.) and Cavero-Santiago was entered in the 76-kilogram weight class (167.6 lbs.).

During the 2025-26 college season, Evergreen placed 15th in the team standings at the NAIA Women's Wrestling Championships in Wichita, Kansas, and took fourth place at the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships. Workinger took first place at the CCC Championships in the 160-pound weight class. She finished in second place at the NAIA Championships to earn All-American honors for the third time in her career. Also competing at the NAIA Championships were Taylor and Nizhoni Tallman (Sr.).