RIO de JANEIRO, Brazil – On Friday afternoon, May Cuyler of the Presbyterian College women’s wrestling program represented Team USA at the 2026 Pan-American Championships, finishing in 2nd-place for the 68 kg weight class.
A historic achievement, Cuyler became the first wrestler in Blue Hose history to qualify for the Pan-American Championships after also taking silver at the U20 World Team Trials which took place in Spokane back in April.
Held at one of South America’s most famous cities (Rio de Janeiro), Cuyler won three consecutive matches at the Pan-American tournament all by 10-0 technical fall over her opponents who represented Canada, Mexico, and Peru.
That led her to the championship bout versus Brazil’s own Mayara Santos, coming up just shy of the gold medal in a 7-4 standard decision.
May was one of 10 competitors who wore the stars and stripes at the Pan-American Championships, a tremendous honor for an individual who is only halfway through her collegiate career.
As a unit, Team USA topped all other countries that participated in the Pan-American Championships.
Cuyler recently completed her sophomore season at PC, already a two-time All-American in class 160 who holds a career record of 49-10.
After placing 2nd at the Southeast Regional tourney, Cuyler ended in 5th at the inaugural NCAA National Championship bracket last March. That helped the Blue Hose finish inside the national top ten for the fourth year in a row and achieve a new team record by placing 5th overall.
RESULTS – 68 KG
May Cuyler (USA) def. Mackenzie Cayer (Canada) by TF, 10-0
May Cuyler (USA) def. Elide Buendia (Mexico) by TF, 10-0
May Cuyler (USA) def. Leyla Hinostroza (Peru) by TF, 10-0
Mayara Santos (Brazil) def. May Cuyler (USA) by Dec., 7-4
