ATHERTON, CA – A new chapter in Menlo Athletics begins as the NCWA Women's Wrestling program prepares to hit the mat for its inaugural season in 2025-26. Under the guidance of Head Coach Julissa Taitano and Menlo alum Autumn Pacheco, the Oaks are set to make their debut with a roster of experienced competitors with a packed schedule.
 
First Faces of the New Program
The Oaks roster features an experienced group of upperclassmen ready to lead the charge, including Neila Fritts of Mission Viejo, and Jessica Mendieta, a senior out of Napa. The two will be joined by Gwendolyn Tomkins, a local senior from Menlo Park who competed at Menlo-Atherton High School.
 
The team also welcomes two freshmen that are expected to grow quickly at the collegiate level, beginning with Luciana Rodriquez and Megene Abdalla. Rodriquez competed at Silver Creek HS while Megene Abdalla was a standout wrestler from Garfield HS in San Diego.
 
Schedule Highlights
The Oaks will make their debut starting tomorrow against Ottawa University at 6PM inside of Haynes-Prim Pavilion, followed by the Menlo Open the next day on November 2. Later in the month, the team will travel to Irvine, CA for a Tri-Dual Meet on November 21, where they plan to take on Westcliff, Hope International, and San Diego St. In December, the Oaks will be put to the test at the Women's West Coast Tournament of Champions, held from December 19-20 in Roseville, CA.
 
The schedule will stau competitive heading into the New Year, starting with the Sacramento City Open on Valentines Day, February 14, then heading into the California State Tournament on February 28. The Oaks will host their first postseason action with the NCWA West Coast Conference Championships on March 14, with each qualifying athlete advancing to the NCWA National Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana, from March 25-28 to conclude their inaugural season.