Taylor Graveman
Photo Courtesy of USA Wrestling
SPEARFISH, S.D. — Former Spearfish wrestling standout Taylor Graveman will represent Team USA at the 2026 Galaxy U23 World Championships in the women’s freestyle 72-kilogram division, marking her first appearance at the World Championships and just her second international competition.
Graveman was selected to compete after Olympic champion Amit Elor, who previously held the spot, withdrew from the tournament because of health concerns.
A three-time undefeated South Dakota state champion at Spearfish High School, Graveman recently claimed a gold medal at the U23 Pan American Championships in Lima, Peru. She currently wrestles for North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where she helped lead the Cardinals to a team title at the NWCA National Duals.
During the 2025-26 season, Graveman posted a 25-10 record while competing at 160 pounds. Her accomplishments included winning both the CCIW and Region V championships, qualifying for the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships, earning NWCA Scholar All-America honors, and receiving Academic All-CCIW and CSC Academic All-District recognition. She also recorded nine technical falls, six pins, and the fastest pin on the team at 48 seconds.
Graveman finished her high school career with an undefeated 82-0 record and played a pivotal role in the growth of girls wrestling at Spearfish High School and across South Dakota.
The Galaxy U23 World Championships will be held Oct. 12-18 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada. Women’s freestyle competition is scheduled for Oct. 14-16.
