The country’s best teams, including the Iowa Hawkeyes, are determined to make the most of the season and no one was having a better run than Nanea Estrella. The third-ranked Hawkeye started her season with a bang at the Senior Nationals. The Iowa team made history only days ago by winning the NWCA National Duals for the first time, and Estrella was among those who spearheaded their charge.

However, it looks like the 136-pounder’s dreams will remain untouched for some time to come. In a recent social media post, Estrella has updated her fans about her current situation and things don’t look too good for the rising wrestling star.

Iowa wrestler takes an early leave

As the Hawkeye women’s wrestling team continues to rake up national accolades, Estrella needs to take time off from action on the mat because of a season-ending leg injury. In her latest Instagram post, the Iowa senior revealed her next action and the heavy tone is something that can’t be overlooked. “Unfortunately my season has come to an early end due to injury“, stated Estrella in her social media post.

Estrella highlighted her dream start to the year, “This season has been one of the best experiences I have ever had.” She also said that her form made her fall in love with the sport even more than before and she could also feel her personal growth as a wrestler.

Estrella started her current season with a fourth-place finish at the Princeton Open and a tech fall win over East Stroudsburg’s Zoe Gress. In the NWCA National Duals, Welker, a sophomore for the Hawkeyes, went 3-0 during the event with wins over second-ranked Tiffani Baublitz of King University and three-time NCWWC national champion Yelena Makoyed of North Central College.

However, Estrella is not one to watch her teammates from the sideline without contributing to her colleagues’ performances. She said that she will continue to inspire her team with vocal support and they will be forced to make the most of the ongoing season as an endeavor to offset Estrella’s unfortunate circumstances. “As I work through my recovery I will continue to carry on the “for her” mindset my team has embedded into our culture“, wrote the Hawkeye’s darling.

Iowa’s future in safe hands

While one Hawk has to step down from her wrestling duties, other more-than-eager candidates would like to take up the gold and black stripes to prove their worth. Only days after a bizarre disqualification, A.J. Ferrari has been witnessed training at the Iowa gym.

Read more: AJ Ferrari Stuns Wrestling Community As He Trains in the Iowa Hawkeyes Gym After Big Soldiers Salute Controversy

For the Hawkeyes, the recently concluded Soldier Salute has been a significant tournament, with several Iowa wrestlers picking up major wins over highly decorated opponents. Now, it remains to be seen if their momentum helps Estrella return to the action sooner or if the injury proves to be life-altering for the young athlete.

Watch this story: I Can Wrestle With Anybody Anytime: The Unranked Purdue Wrestler Proved His Boast