Viera Wrestlers Emma Hoppe and Isabel Alvarez Join UPJ's Historic Team

Johnstown, PA, USA - Two shining stars from Viera High School are ready to take their talents to the collegiate level. Emma Hoppe and Isabel Alvarez, both graduates of the Class of 2025, have officially signed with the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). These young athletes are set to compete for the UPJ Mountain Cats Women’s Wrestling team in NCAA Division II, a significant step as this season marks the inaugural women’s wrestling season in the university’s history. There’s something to be said for breaking new ground!

Isabel Alvarez has an impressive resume that includes accolades such as a two-time conference champion, two-time district champion, regional champion, and a fifth-place finish at the state level, which earned her All-American status. Emma Hoppe’s achievements are no less remarkable, boasting titles as a three-time conference and district champion, two-time regional champion, and the 2025 State Champion. Notably, Hoppe ranks No. 25 among girls’ high school wrestlers in the country according to USA Wrestling. The anticipation is high in the Viera High School Wrestling Program and the local community, ready to celebrate their success both on and off the mat. Space Coast Daily reports that the local support for these athletes is palpable.

Women’s Wrestling Takes Center Stage

The decision to add women’s wrestling at UPJ comes with a broader vision for enhancing the university’s athletic department. As detailed by NWCA, the university aims to boost enrollment and competitive excellence by introducing this new sport alongside men’s and women’s swimming. UPJ President Jem Spectar expressed confidence that the addition of these programs will draw more prospective students into the fold. After all, a lively campus is a thriving one!

The landscape for women’s wrestling is evolving rapidly. Just last year, the NCAA officially recognized women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport. According to NCAA, the first woman’s wrestling championship is on the horizon for the 2026 season, marking a historic moment not just for schools like UPJ, but for the sport as a whole. With 1,200 women grappling across 76 NCAA institutions, the enthusiasm for women’s wrestling continues to burgeon.

A Growing Community

The growth of women’s wrestling aligns with an upswing in popularity across schools and clubs, particularly in western Pennsylvania. With the addition of this program, UPJ will contribute to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) initiative, where five universities will soon offer Women’s Wrestling. The PSAC needs just one more university to form a Conference Championship, which speaks volumes about the sport’s acceptance and growth.

As the new wrestling season approaches, UPJ is already in recruitment mode. The hiring of Shane Valko, a former UPJ wrestler, as the wrestling coach promises a blend of experience and enthusiasm. Coupled with the recent renovations to the Zamias Aquatic Center for the swimming programs, the university is making strides to create a well-rounded athletic environment for both male and female students alike.

The excitement surrounding Emma Hoppe and Isabel Alvarez’s decision to join UPJ as part of the Mountain Cats Women’s Wrestling team is just the beginning of a new chapter in collegiate athletics. With the support of their community and the promise of a bright future in wrestling, these athletes are set to pave the way for generations to come in women’s sports.