Graceland's Kady Vandemark Claims NAIA All-American Honors in Hammer Throw

MARION, Ind. — Graceland University junior Kady Vandemark (Norwalk, Iowa) earned NAIA All-American honors with a standout performance in the women's hammer throw at the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, hosted on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University.

Vandemark, the lone qualifier from the Graceland Yellowjackets, entered the competition seeded 17th nationally. Defying expectations, she delivered four personal-best throws, culminating in a fourth-place finish with a mark of 54.35 meters, securing five team points for Graceland and placing her among the nation's elite.

"Kady and I are both extremely proud of how she performed at nationals," said interim head coach Tom Shore. "Going in ranked 17th, the plan was to enjoy the moment and take big swings in the ring. She responded with four lifetime bests and earned herself an All-American medal. I can't wait to see where she goes from here."

Vandemark's series demonstrated consistency and confidence under pressure, steadily progressing in each round to surpass 54 meters for the first time in her career. Her breakthrough marks a historic achievement for the Yellowjackets' women's program.

"It's been a season full of growth and trust in my training," Vandemark said. "Coming in as the 17th seed, I didn't feel pressure — just excitement. I stayed focused, threw freely, and I'm so grateful to leave with a personal record and an All-American honor. I'm already looking ahead to building on this next year."

With the 2025 outdoor season now concluded, Vandemark's All-American finish caps Graceland's championship campaign, marking the final meet of the year for the Yellowjackets.

For more information on Graceland outdoor track and field and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.