MANHEIM, P.A. --- The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced Tuesday that five Allen University wrestlers have earned NCAA Division II Scholar All-American awards. From the men's wrestling program, sophomore Malachi Thomas and freshman Kaden Gadson were both recognized. Meanwhile, the women's wrestling program saw three student-athletes, Lianna Davis, Kitty Sharpe, and Nevaeh Smith, earn this honor. 

"I'm very proud of Malachi, Kaden, Lianna, Kitty, and Nevaeh for earning this achievement," said head men's and women's wrestling coach Eric Pack. "The dedication and commitment that they each showed towards their academics has made them examples that others can follow in the classroom. Strong academic performance is the foundational pillar of our program, and I'm thrilled to see these student-athletes upholding that standard."

To be eligible for a Scholar All-American award, student athletes had to meet one of the following criteria: All-American at the 2026 NCAA DII National Championships and 3.00 GPA; National Qualifier to the 2026 NCAA DII National Championships and 3.25 GPA; or competed in four or more events and 3.5 GPA. 

"These student athletes have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence both on the mat and in the classroom," NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "We commend their dedication and the example they set for the sport."

Thomas, a banking and finance major from Rock Hill, South Carolina, is joined by Gadson, who hails from Goose Creek, South Carolina, and is pursuing a degree in accounting. Alongside them is Davis, a redshirt freshman from Fayetteville, North Carolina, majoring in elementary education. Sharpe, a freshman from Rock Hill, South Carolina, is studying criminal justice, while Smith, a freshman business administration major from St. Louis, Missouri, rounds out the group.