Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Vandemark Closes Career With Top-10 Finish at NAIA Outdoor Championships

Vandemark Closes Career With Top-10 Finish at NAIA Outdoor Championships

Results

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina —Graceland University senior thrower Kady Vandemark closed her collegiate career with a ninth-place finish in the women's hammer throw at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Asheville, N.C.

Vandemark recorded a top mark of 52.63 meters (172 feet, 8 inches) during the national final, securing a top-10 national finish against one of the strongest fields in the NAIA.

Indiana University Kokomo's Sydney Duncan captured the national title with a throw of 56.78 meters (186-3), while Dakota State's Oliviyah Thornton placed second at 56.56 meters (185-6). Indiana Wesleyan's Bri Nichols rounded out the top three with a mark of 56.52 meters (185-5).

Vandemark advanced through the preliminary flight and competed in the championship final, remaining in contention throughout the competition. Her throw of 52.63 meters came during a series in which nine athletes surpassed the 50-meter mark.

The senior concludes her Graceland career as a two-time national qualifier, an All-American during her junior season and the winner of numerous meets throughout her career. She finishes as one of the top throwers in program history, consistently competing at a high level within the Heart of America Athletic Conference and on the national stage.

"I may not have gotten the results that I wanted, but I am extremely grateful to have the experience, and for the overwhelming support from my coaches, family, and teammates during my time at Graceland, especially throughout this last season," Vandemark said.

Head coach Tom Shore praised Vandemark's leadership and consistency throughout her career with the Yellowjackets.

"Kady represented Graceland the right way every time she stepped into the ring," Shore said. "Competing at the NAIA National Championships is an accomplishment on its own, and finishing among the top athletes in the country reflects the amount of work she has put into her career. We are proud of the way she competed and the example she set for our program."

The NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships marked the conclusion of the 2026 outdoor season for the Yellowjackets.

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