Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

Machaela Graddy became PLU's first female individual national champion since joining NCAA Division III, winning the javelin on May 24 at the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in La Crosse, Wisconsin. 

Graddy dominated the 22-athlete field, winning by over four feet with a school record toss of 150 feet, 3 1/4 inches. 

The senior becomes PLU's first female individual national champion since joining the NCAA and the first female national champion since Corie Krueger won the NAIA title in the hammer throw in 1997. An All-American in both soccer and track & field, Graddy additionally becomes the Lutes' first national champion in the javelin since Carol Wester won the NAIA title at the 1986 Championships.

Thursday's national title was one final exclamation point on the outstanding athletic career of Machaela Graddy who will graduate this weekend with a degree in kinesiology. On the soccer pitch, Graddy helped the Lutes win two NWC titles and make two trips to the NCAA Tournament. She was named All-Region three times and was a Third Team All-American this fall while ranking sixth all-time in goals scored (41) and points (103). As a track & field athlete, Graddy is a school record holder and an NWC Champion in the javelin, and now, can claim the highest of honors: National Champion.