WATERLOO, Iowa – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum has announced that Autumn Elsbury has been chosen as the 2026 recipient of the Iowa High School Female Wrestler of the Year award.

This award is presented annually to the top female high school senior wrestler in Iowa.

Elsbury will be presented her award during the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa inductions on June 19 at the Prairie Links Golf & Event Center in Waverly, Iowa. For more information contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or dgmstaff@nwhof.org.

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A native of Iowa, Elsbury has established herself as one of the premier wrestlers in the state through her consistency and high-level performances. She is a two-time state champion (2025, 2026), a 2024 state runner-up, and placed fourth at the state tournament in 2023.

On the national stage, Elsbury is a two-time Fargo All-American, finishing runner-up in 2025 and fourth in 2023. She also captured the 2025 Freestyle State Championship and the 2025 AAU State Championship, after earning AAU state runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024. In addition, she has earned multiple AAU All-American gold medals.

Elsbury’s continued success has earned her a No. 2 national ranking, solidifying her place among the top wrestlers in the country.

Iowa High School Female Wrestler of Year Winners
2026 - Autumn Elsbury
2025 - Molly Allen
2024 - Naomi Simon
2023 - Lilly Luft
2022 - Ella Schmit
2021 - Millie Peach

Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa Class of 2026 Inductees
Nick Mitchell
Kyven Gadson
Jesse Whitmer
Derek St. John

2026 Glen Brand Team Award
2001 Council Bluffs Lewis Central (LC) High School wrestling team 

2026 Russ Smith Community Impact Award
Greg Stockdale

2026 Bob Siddens Iowa High School Wrestling Coach of the Year
James Biscoglia

2026 Bowlsby Family Legacy Award
The Dickey Family

2026 Bob Steenlage Iowa High School Wrestler of the Year
Dreshaun Ross