The Open Mat presents awards annually in three categories for each division of college wrestling at the conclusion of the season. Awards are presented for Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year and Wrestler of the Year.

Southeast Community College has quickly become an NJCAA women's wrestling powerhouse. In just its third year of competition, Southeast head women's wrestling coach Jake Hamilton guided the Bobcats to a runner-up at the 2026 NJCAA Women's Wrestling Invitational.

On Friday, Hamilton was named 2026 NJCAA Women's Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Open Mat.

It was a season marked with program bests for the Southeast women's wrestling program.

Southeast climbed to No. 1 in The Open Mat's NJCAA women's dual meet rankings early in the season after defeating No. 1 Indian Hills on Nov. 19. It was Indian Hills' first-ever home loss in women's wrestling.

The Bobcats had strong showings in several tournaments throughout the season. In January, Southeast posted a 4-1 record at the NJCAA Women's Coaches Duals, finishing runner-up, with the lone loss coming on criteria to Iowa Central in the finals.

Southeast turned in a strong performance at the 2026 NJCAA Women's Wrestling Invitational, finishing runner-up in the team standings, which was the highest finish in program history. Eleven Southeast wrestlers earned All-America honors and three won national titles, which was more than any other program.

Martha Hinneh (207) became Southeast's first two-time national champion, while Emma Albanese (117) and Billie Bonwell (160) won national titles as freshmen.

Hamilton reacts to the honor:
"The biggest thing is, I'm grateful. I put a lot of hard work into the program from Associate Head Coach to Head Coach."
"Just to see the hard work come full circle is a blessing. It's inspired me to continue to try hard and do my very best."

Hamilton was also recognized as Coach Of The Year at the NJCAA National Wrestling Tournament in Council Bluffs, IA on March 6th and 7th. Re-live that presentation HERE.