WILKES-BARRE, PA (June 23, 2026) -- The King's College women's track and field team capped the 2025-26 academic year with six selections to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Team. Ava Butcher, Caitlin Kirk, Dani Rimsky, Katey Shoemaker, Kat Smith and Abby Thompson were all recognized for their efforts in competition and in the classroom.
 
Butcher collects her second CSC Academic All-District® selection following a strong junior campaign in the sprints and relays. Butcher earned All-MAC honors with a third-place finish in the 400 meter and helped the 4x400 relay squad claim the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Outdoor Championship title with a program-record performance. She also competed in the 200 meter and 4x100 relay at the MAC Outdoor Championships after earning runner-up finishes in the 400 meter and as part of the 4x200 and 4x400 relays at the MAC Indoor Championships. Butcher recorded top-50 rankings in the Mid-Atlantic Region in both the indoor and outdoor 200 meter, 400 meter, and 4x400 as well as the outdoor 4x100 relay. An elementary and special education major, Butcher compiled a 3.96 cumulative GPA.
 
Kirk earns her second CSC Academic All-District® honor after a standout junior season in the throwing events. Kirk placed second in the weight throw at the MAC Indoor Championships and followed with a third-place finish in the hammer throw at the MAC Outdoor Championships while also competing in the shot put and discus. She secured top-50 Mid-Atlantic regional rankings in the indoor shot put and weight throw, along with the outdoor shot put, discus, and hammer throw. Her season was highlighted by nationally-ranked performances in the weight throw and hammer. Kirk, a chemical engineering major, posted a 3.90 cumulative GPA.
 
Rimsky secures CSC Academic All-District® recognition for the first time following a strong sophomore campaign in the multi-events. Rimsky competed in the pentathlon at the MAC Indoor Championships and in the heptathlon at the MAC Outdoor Championships, while also contributing in the high jump and pole vault throughout the year. She registered top-50 regional rankings in the indoor high jump and pentathlon, as well as the outdoor high jump, pole vault, and heptathlon. A sophomore majoring in pre-physician assistant studies, Rimsky earned a 3.91 cumulative GPA.
 
Shoemaker earns her third CSC Academic All-District® selection after an outstanding senior season in the throwing events. Shoemaker placed second in both the hammer throw and javelin at the MAC Outdoor Championships and advanced to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where she earned All-American honors in the hammer throw. She also competed in the weight throw during the indoor season. Shoemaker secured top-50 regional rankings in the indoor weight throw and the outdoor discus, hammer throw, and javelin. Her hammer and javelin performances also ranked at the national level. A senior majoring in early education, Shoemaker graduated with a 3.78 cumulative GPA.
 
Smith earns her first CSC Academic All-District® honor following her graduate season as a contributor in the sprint and relay events. Smith earned All-MAC honors as part of the 4x200 and 4x400 relays at the MAC Indoor Championships and competed in the 200 meter, 400 meter, 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relay at the MAC Outdoor Championships. She also contributed to the distance medley relay at the MAC Indoor Championships. Smith recorded top-50 Mid-Atlantic regional rankings in the indoor 400 meters, 4x400 relay, and distance medley relay, as well as the outdoor 200 meters, 400 meters, 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relay. A graduate student in healthcare administration, Smith posted a 3.83 cumulative GPA.
 
Thompson collects her first CSC Academic All-District® recognition following a strong sophomore season in the high jump. Thompson competed in the high jump at both the MAC Indoor and MAC Outdoor Championships and remained a consistent presence for the Monarchs in the event throughout the year. She recorded top-50 regional rankings in both the indoor and outdoor high jump. A sophomore majoring in pre-physician assistant studies, Thompson finished with a 3.71 cumulative GPA.
 
The 2026 Academic All-District® Women's Track and Field/Cross Country teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the track, in the field, and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes men's track & field honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. For more information about CSC Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams programs, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.