Williamsburg, KY – Former University of the Cumberlands women's wrestling standout and two-time NAIA National Champion Dymond Guilford is headed back to the world stage after earning a spot on her second U.S. Senior World Team. 

Guilford secured the 76kg spot after defeating Kylie Welker two matches to one in the Final X wrestle-off. After dropping the opening match, Guilford responded with back-to-back victories to claim the series and secure her place on Team USA. 

In the opening match, Welker jumped out to a 4-0 advantage in the first period. Guilford continued to apply pressure in the second period and forced a step out late in the match, but couldn't overcome the early deficit as Welker took the first match 4-1. 

Facing a must-win situation in the second match, Guilford was called for passivity trailing 1-0 after the first period. In the second period, Guilford turned the momentum in her favor as Welker was put on the activity clock, tying the score at 1-1. Guilford continued to pressure Welker and forced a step out to take the lead before adding another point to extend her advantage to 3-1. Welker earned a point in the closing seconds of the match, however Guilford's defense held strong securing the 3-2 victory and force a decisive third match. 

In the final match of the series, Guilford once again found herself trailing 1-0 before a caution against Welker evened the score at 1-1. Guilford took control in the second period, earning two-points for a go-behind maneuver to take a 3-1 advantage. Welker continued to attack, but Guilford turned away the attempts before adding another go-behind to extend her lead to 5-1. Guilford added two more points in the closing stages of the match to earn the 7-1 decision and clinch the series. 

The victory marks Guilford's second appearance on the U.S. Senior World Team. She earned her first berth in 2022 after sweeping Yelena Makoyed in a best-of-three series at 76kg. Guilford won the opening match 10-5 before securing the series with a 12-2 tech fall. 

Guilford put together a decorated career during her time at Cumberlands, becoming UC's first two-time NAIA National Champion. Her first national title came at 170 pounds in 2022 and Guilford successful defended that title a year later.  Guilford continued competing at the national and international levels during her time at UC, representing USA Wrestling while training and competing with the Patriots. 

Guilford will now represent Team USA at 76kg in Astana, Kazakhstan, with competition slated for October 27-28. 

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