CORVALLIS, Ore. – University of Providence’s Erin Hikiji was named the 2024-25 Cascade Collegiate Conference Women’s Wrestler of the Year following a remarkable season for the Argos. Southern Oregon University’s Jasmine Howard earned the inaugural CCC Newcomer of the Year honor while teammate Kat Hingano was named the first Freshman of the Year, announced Thursday by the conference office.
Hikiji, a Mililani, Hawaii, native demonstrated remarkable effort and consistency throughout the season. In her latest postseason run, the standout 103-pound wrestler not only secured another conference crown but also claimed her first Individual National Championship Title.
Throughout the National Championship, Hikiji dominated her competition, outscoring opponents 39-2, including a pin. She defeated No. 5 Judy Sandoval with a score of 10-0 in the semifinals before outscoring No. 3 Alexis Miller with an 8-2 decision in the NAIA National Championship match.
Hikiji concluded the season with an impressive overall record of 29-1. She went undefeated against NAIA opponents including six pins, 21 tech falls, and she outscored opponents 218-10 this year. A notable highlight was being voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the North Central Collegiate Invitational by defeating the top NCAA wrestler.
Her accomplishments this season have been recognized through multiple accolades, including being named the CCC Wrestler of the Week twice and earning CCC Academic All-Conference honors.
A three-time NAIA All-American and three-time national finalist, Hikiji has consistently showcased her exceptional talent on the mat, with two CCC championship titles adding to her impressive career thus far.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Hikiji has been recognized as a two-time Academic All-American, underscoring her dedication to both academics and athletics.
Howard adjusted effortlessly to SOU, securing a fifth-place finish at the NAIA Championship where she defeated a pair of top four seeds to make it to the semifinals and reach All-American status.
The 117-pound wrestler transferred mid-season from Texas Wesleyan University. She rolled through her first CCC Championship with three straight pins to claim the title. Howard finished the season 12-6 overall for the Raiders and is looking forward to building on her achievements in the coming seasons.
Hingano had an outstanding debut season for SOU, concluding with a sixth-place finish at the NAIA Championship where she advanced to the semifinal round and reached All-American status.
The 207-pound wrestler finished with a 27-7 record, reached a No. 2 rank in the national polls, and led the Raiders in pins with 18 this season. The Rio Linda, Calif., native was the only freshman to win a CCC title and is already preparing to expand on her early collegiate success.