Watson Earns Second Place Finish in Shot Put at National Championship

ASHEVILLE, N.C.--Cumberland's Daveina Watson closed out her storied career with a National Runner-Up finish in the shot put on Thursday at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championship, earning her fifth career NAIA All-American honor and wrapping up the Phoenix's championship competition.

Watson delivered one of the top performances of her career, posting a mark of 15.15 meters (49-8.50) to finish second in the nation and score eight team points for the Phoenix. The mark stands as the No. 3 throw in the NAIA this season and secured the highest finish of Watson's decorated career at the national meet.

The senior opened competition strong and remained in contention throughout the event before cementing her spot on the podium with her throw of 15.15 meters. Watson finished behind only Sydney Duncan of IU Kokomo, who claimed the national title with a toss of 16.53 meters (54-2.75). Kori Nagel of Dickinson State rounded out the top three with a mark of 14.86 meters (48-9.00).

The Phoenix now have eight points in the team standings category and are in 12th place at this point in the competition. There is one more day of events tomorrow that will shake up where the Phoenix finish at the National Championships.

The National Runner-Up finish concludes Cumberland's competition at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championship in Asheville, N.C.

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Players Mentioned

Daveina Watson: Throws; 5' 8"; Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

Daveina Watson
: 5' 8"; Graduate Student
: Throws