Wrestling | 11/6/2026 12:54:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 6, 2026) - As Texas Woman's wrestling prepares for another season, the Pioneers are embracing a mindset built on accountability, ambition and a refusal to settle. With a young roster eager to make its mark, the message inside the wrestling room is simple; NO MEDIOCRITY.

The foundation for the upcoming season was established during the offseason, with an emphasis on technical development and mental preparation. Head coach Randi Miller has challenged the team to capitalize on takedowns, turn aggressive attacks into points and develop the confidence needed to compete in a challenging region.

"We have an aggressive team that likes to take people down, score and put points on the board,"Miller said. "Being a young team, the mind has to be right to compete in a competitive region like we have. All the work in the world won't matter if you don't believe in yourself."

That confidence is reflected in the team's expectations, both individually and collectively. The Pioneers have their sights set on new program milestones, including earning their first All-Americans and competing for a national championship.

"The team goal definitely is getting our first All-Americans and a national championship for sure," freshman Jordyn Parker said.

Individual goals are just as ambitious. Sophomore Samaria Barnett is focused on earning top placements at regionals and nationals while helping the team improve its takedowns, turns and overall regional standing.

"My personal goals are to be in the top two at regionals and get first at nationals," Barnett said. "I want to go back to Women's Nationals and be an All-American at both and top five."

Beyond the competitive goals, the Pioneers are building an environment where accountability and encouragement go hand in hand. Their motto, "No Mediocrity," serves as a daily reminder to push beyond their comfort zones and maintain high standards, even through the toughest practices.

"When you're in a room like this with hammers everywhere and it's tough and we're doing really tough stuff, it can get really hard if you don't have a fun environment," Parker said. "We keep it light, we keep it fun. Our team motto is no mediocrity because you always have to push yourself every day and don't want to settle for anything. You always want to be the best."

That balance between intensity and enjoyment has helped create a supportive atmosphere where teammates challenge one another while sharing in the work required to improve.

"The vibe is hardworking and fun," Barnett said. "Everyone here wants to work hard and get better, but at the same time, everyone wants to make it enjoyable to be here. We just bounce off each other's energy."

Freshman Kalynn Lyons echoed that sense of unity, emphasizing the encouragement that carries the team through demanding practices.

"It's a very positive and encouraging room to be in," Lyons said. "Everybody here is for the right reasons and is looking to improve and get better. The support here is crazy, and it never feels like I'm by myself."

For senior Sloan Stewart, that pursuit of improvement starts with personal accountability and measuring success against her own potential.

"A personal goal for myself is to be successful in all aspects of everything I do and be the best at everything that I do within myself," Stewart said. "Nobody else is my competition, I am my own competition."

That standard also means refusing to become comfortable with past accomplishments or accepting less than one's best.

"It's okay to have bad days, but being okay with mediocre work is not," freshman Cydney Davis said. "Everyone has their own level of hard work, but I think everyone at baseline should work on being able to push themselves every day and not be complacent."

With a young roster, ambitious goals and a culture centered on continuous improvement, the Pioneers are determined to turn their offseason preparation into results. As competition approaches, their message remains consistent. 

Believe in yourself, push one another and never settle for mediocrity.

-PIONEERS-