GU Women Conclude Outdoors at Heart Championships; Vandemark On To Nationals
FAYETTE, Mo. — The Graceland University women's outdoor track and field team wrapped up its 2025 season at the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Outdoor Championships, held May 2–3 at Central Methodist University. With a strong showing of commitment and competitiveness across track and field disciplines, the Yellowjackets ended their season with key individual performances and one athlete advancing to the national stage.
Sophomore Vashansti Glover led the Yellowjackets in the sprints, competing in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash events. Glover recorded a time of 13.34 seconds in the 100-meter preliminaries and a 27.16 in the 200-meter preliminaries, closing out her season with solid efforts against a highly competitive Heart field. She did not advance to the finals in either event but gained critical experience against some of the conference's top sprinters.
In the mid-distance events, freshman Thayadorra Echavarria represented Graceland in the 1,500 meters, clocking a 6:03.85 to complete her debut conference championship. Though not a scoring performance, Echavarria's effort marks a developmental step for Graceland's middle-distance group.
The Yellowjackets' throws unit was anchored by senior hammer specialist Kady Vandemark, who did not compete at the Heart meet but remains active this season after previously achieving a national qualifying mark. Vandemark qualified for the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships with a B standard mark of 51.35 meters (168 feet, 6 inches), thrown on April 11 at the University of Central Missouri Mule Relays. She will be the sole representative for Graceland at the national meet later this month.
"We are proud of how our athletes competed this weekend and throughout the outdoor season," said Graceland head coach Quinton Harley. "This group continues to build the foundation for where we want our program to go. The progress Vashansti has made in the sprints and the leadership Kady has shown in the throws are excellent examples of the direction we're heading. We're excited to see Kady compete at the national level and close out her collegiate career on a high note."
In a championship meet dominated by strong team performances from Central Methodist and Park University, Graceland's small squad held its own in multiple lanes and heats throughout the two-day event.
Glover's 100-meter time placed her 20th overall in a field of 26 sprinters, while her 200-meter performance ranked her 22nd out of 30 competitors. Echavarria's 1,500-meter race saw her finish 21st out of 21 starters. Despite the lack of final appearances or points scored, Graceland's representation at the meet reflects the steady rebuild of the program under Harley's direction, with continued emphasis on technique, form, and foundational development.
As the team concludes its 2025 outdoor campaign, all eyes now turn to Vandemark, who will compete in Marion, Indiana, at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships, hosted by Indiana Wesleyan University from May 21–23. Her qualifying mark, achieved early in the season, ranks within the B standard threshold and will place her among the nation's elite collegiate throwers.
Vandemark, who has consistently improved in the circle over the course of her career, enters nationals with confidence and momentum. The senior has served as a team captain and technical leader for Graceland's throws squad.
"Kady has been consistent all year, and she earned this opportunity," Harley said. "She understands how to compete on the big stage and knows how to prepare technically and mentally. We're going to focus on one throw at a time and execute her cues."
With the remainder of the women's team now in offseason mode, the coaching staff will shift its attention toward offseason training, recruiting, and continuing to build a competitive roster for 2026.
Next Meet
NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships
May 21–23, 2025
Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, Ind.
Event: Women's Hammer Throw | Athlete: Kady Vandemark
For more information on Graceland outdoor track and field and to follow Kady Vandemark and her quest for a national championship in the women's hammer, visit GUjackets.com later this month for day-to-day coverage of the national championship.