EMPORIA, KANSAS – Missouri Western State University junior Allyssa Mahone continues to see her remarkable collegiate career resume grow with each competition.
 
The Strawn, Texas, native highlighted the 2024 NCAA Division II Championships inside Emporia State University's Francis Welch Stadium with the third and fourth All-American awards of her cadre. She placed second in the discus and 12^th in the hammer throw. Bringing the Griffons fans in attendance to their feet, the 171-foot, one-inch mark, a new career and single-season best and school record, had her near the top of the leaderboard throughout. Only Grand Valley State University's Erika Beistle had a longer toss (181 feet, eight inches).
 
In the wake of the women's team winding up among the top 30 (eight points – No. 29) and the men being represented by a top 20 finish from sophomore Lucas Trotter (Smithville, Mo.), head coach Cody Ingold saw the potential for a strong future. "It was a long year with a hectic spring season," he reflected. "The way we came together as a team when it mattered though was incredible."
 
"This throwing group came up huge for us," Ingold added. "They dealt with the adversity of a coach switch midway through the season and thrived. (Assistant) coach (Jordan) Garr was huge in keeping the group cohesive. Overall, we fell short of some goals for both teams, but I'm hopeful that this weekend is the match that ignites the fire we need to take the next step."
 
Earlier in the championships, Mahone picked up a second team All-American notification in the hammer throw. Her 173-foot, three-inch throw placed her 12^th in the 20-competitor field.
 
Head coach Cody Ingold's squad added a third All-American accolade from freshman Makenzie Garr (St. Joseph, Mo.). The first-year phenom had a 49-foot, 10-inch mark in the shot put, leaving her just one place shy of first team honors but with a second team recognition. Trotter, in his second combined indoor and outdoor national meet appearance, tossed the shot put 54 feet, seven and a quarter inches, winding up 16^th.