Consistency has defined Kylie Robledo’s season, and the Heart of America Athletic Conference has taken notice. Twice.
Robledo was named the Heart of America Women’s Wrestler of the Week for the second consecutive week, becoming just the second wrestler in conference history to earn the honor back-to-back. The award recognizes standout performances in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences, and Robledo’s season so far has earned her a place among the top women’s wrestlers in the NAIA.
“She earned it,” women’s wrestling coach Kit Harris said. “This is one of the toughest conferences in the country, especially in wrestling. To win it once is a big deal. To win it twice in a row says a lot about her work ethic, her determination and the results she’s producing.”
Robledo credits her support system for keeping her grounded.
“I was shocked,” Robledo said of winning the award twice. “I don’t take full credit. My coaches and teammates are the ones who push me forward to reach my goals. I owe it to them.”
Despite the recognition, the wrestler says she tries not to think about the accolades.
“I just go with the flow and have fun with my last season,” Kylie said. “I stay disciplined and just keep moving forward.”
Her mindset finds its roots in gratitude, the word that Robledo used to describe her season so far. She often thinks of her grandmother and her father when she steps on the mat, finding her motivation in their support.
Robledo is currently ranked No. 15 nationally at 110 pounds and is expected to move up as the season continues. She previously reached the top 10 at 117 pounds before dropping down a weight class this season. Through her most recent competition, Robledo is 21-2 with 17 bonus-point victories, including seven falls and 10 technical falls. She also has three tournament titles under her belt and has placed in five open tournaments overall.
Robledo wrestled at 124 pounds last season, a weight class that she and Harris believed she was undersized for. After discussing her goals in the offseason, Robledo committed to cutting down, eventually dropping two weight classes to 110, a weight she had not competed at since high school.
Harris said her success this season is less about dramatic changes to her routine, and more about years of preparation finally clicking.
“She’s always been a hard worker,” Harris said. “She talks with coaches constantly about technique and position work. It’s kind of all clicking, and the culmination of years of hard work has come together more than ever this year.”
On the mat, Robledo is known for controlling the pace of a match and overwhelming her opponents with aggressive offense.
“She’s hard to slow down,” Harris said. “When she’s attacking, she’s really difficult to defend. Once she gets a lead, she’s tough to score on because she combines offense and defense so well.”
Her physical dominance is also matched by a mentality that Coach Harris described as “unwavering.”
“She’s one of the most focused wrestlers I’ve coached,” Harris said. “That focus isn’t just in practice. It’s outside of practice, too. She’s watching her film, paying attention to nutrition, getting extra workouts in and just taking care of her body. That mental discipline is what separates her.”
Harris said Robledo’s impact on the women’s wrestling program goes beyond the wins and statistics; she’s a quiet, consistent leader in practice.
“She doesn’t take drills off. She helps her teammates, especially the freshmen,” Harris said. “She’s a fierce competitor, but outside of that, she’s kind, supportive and respected by everyone. That’s what you want your leaders to look like.”
As the season continues, Harris said the drive comes entirely from Robledo herself.
“She’s in the driver’s seat,” he said. “Our job is just to guide and support her. But she’s got it.”
Robledo feels a strong sense of belonging through the opportunity to represent Baker on a national scale.
“Being able to represent Baker is humbling,” Robledo said. “It’s more than just a school, it’s a community. We’re together no matter what.”
