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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Q&A | Iowa women’s wrestler Bella Williams talks worlds of fiction, favorite class, and experiences as a Hawkeye

Williams is a three-time state champion from Edmond, Oklahoma, and went an undefeated 113-0 in her high school career.
Jack Birmingham, Sports Reporter
February 17, 2026
Reece Schrader
Iowa 131 pounder Bella Williams raises hand in victory after defeating Ursinus’s Paisley Fox during the collegiate “For Her” Dual Tournament at Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. Williams defeated Fox by technical fall. The No. 1 Hawkeyes defeated the Ursinus Grizzly Bears 32-13. (Reece Schrader/Daily Iowan)

The Daily Iowan: If you could have lunch with one famous person, who would it be?

Bella Williams: It would probably have to be an author of a book, that way I could get information on books before they release them. So, Holly Black, or really any author.

If you could live in any book universe, which one would it be?

Maybe “Elfhame,” which is Holly Black, The Folk of the Air series. Probably that world, since it’s kind of a modern world, but there’s also another parallel, fantasy world to it.

What’s one thing you think most people don’t know about Oklahoma?

They might know this, but Oklahoma is a pretty rich state for wrestling history, with OSU and OU both having programs there. There’s definitely a lot of wrestling history in that state.

What’s your favorite type of music?

I like a lot of alternative pop or rock, but I don’t listen to a whole lot of music at a tournament setting. I definitely try to stay disconnected and take in the surroundings.

What is your favorite memory of Iowa wrestling so far?

That would definitely have to be the trip we took to South Carolina for the Blue Hose Challenge tournament. To spend an extra day in South Carolina, downtown Charleston, was a very fun trip in terms of competing and hanging out with the team.

What’s a hobby you have that not everyone knows about?

I really like reading, and I collect a lot of books.

What’s your favorite place that you’ve ever traveled to?

I grew up in Hawaii, that’s probably my favorite place that I’ve ever been to.

If you could live in any book universe, which one would it be?

Maybe Elfhame, which is Holly Black, The Folk of the Air series. Probably that world, since it’s kind of a modern world, but there’s also another parallel, fantasy world to it.

What’s your favorite animal?

Probably cats.

What is your favorite memory of Iowa wrestling so far?

That would definitely have to be the trip we took to South Carolina for the Blue Hose Challenge tournament. To spend an extra day in South Carolina, downtown Charleston, was a very fun trip in terms of competing and hanging out with the team.