LA CROSSE, WI (May 23, 2026) – King's College seniors Brandy Varner and Katey Shoemaker closed out the 2026 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday afternoon, competing in the hammer throw at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
 
After Varner competed in both the discus and shot put earlier in the weekend, the senior standout returned to the ring for the final event of her collegiate career. Shoemaker, making her NCAA Championships debut, joined her in the hammer as the Monarch duo looked to secure national honors.
 
Shoemaker led the way for King's, recording a top mark of 52.36 meters to finish 14^th overall. Varner followed closely behind, posting a best throw of 52.22 meters to place 16^th. With their performances, both athletes earned Second-Team All-American honors, becoming the first outdoor All-Americans in the hammer throw in program history. Shoemaker's finish also makes her the third outdoor All-American in King's women's outdoor track and field history.
 
Erika Ezumba of Johns Hopkins won the national title with a mark of 60.11 meters.
 
Varner concludes her career as one of the most decorated throwers ever to wear the red and gold, earning four All-American accolades, multiple conference titles, and qualifying for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in four different events across outdoor and indoor. The Monarchs have now produced NCAA qualifiers in back-to-back seasons, capped by three All-American selections over the course of the weekend.
 
Saturday's results officially conclude the 2026 season for King's College at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.