Travis Mercado has built the Colorado Mesa women's wrestling team into a national contender. His team added another big-name commitment to an already proven program. Kiely Tabaldo, ranked #7 nationally at 112 pounds, announced on Instagram that she is joining the Maverick program in Grand Junction. 

Tabaldo, a senior at Menlo-Atherton in California, thanked her coaches, family, and friends in the post.

"Colorado Mesa was actually my first college tour," Tabaldo said. "After touring about six other schools I circled back to coach Travis because I felt it was the best place, not only for my wrestling career but academically the most support.

"This sport takes a toll and I wanted to ensure that I chose a place that had my best interest at heart and as a well-round person -- not just a sports-based person."

Tabaldo is a two-time Fargo finalist, placing second in the 16U and Junior divisions in 2021. She also placed fifth at Junior Nationals and second at the Girls High School Recruiting Showcase and Super 32 earlier this year.