JACKSON, Miss. - The rise of Maryville College track and field is no longer a vision—it's a reality.
The Scots women's team delivered a historic performance at the 2026 Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) Championships in Jackson, Mississippi, highlighted by multiple event titles, a collection of school records, and a championship effort that helped secure the program's first-ever conference title in just its fourth season.
Head coach Kunle Lawson reflected on the journey from startup program to champion.
"We set out from the beginning to build a championship program within four years," Lawson said. "Starting from ground zero and now seeing this group reach that goal—it means everything for what we're building here."
Power in the Throws
Maryville's dominance in the field was led by Abbey Cox, who turned in a spectacular championship showing with two event victories.
Cox claimed gold in the discus (36.49m) and followed it with another title in the hammer throw (43.38m), accounting for a major share of the Scots' team points. Teammate Maddy McClellan added a runner-up finish in the hammer, while Rachel Dunbar contributed with a second-place effort in the shot put (10.57m).
Speed and Strength on the Track
The Scots' sprint group delivered key performances across multiple events.
Harmonee King led the way with a third-place finish in the 100 meters (12.97), while Alana Rodriguez placed fourth and Kaitlyn Snodgrass fifth in the same event. Rodriguez continued her strong meet by earning runner-up honors in the 400 meters (59.95), setting both a school record and personal best.
Rodriguez also added points in the 200 meters, while Madison Adair posted a personal record in the 400 and added a fourth-place finish.
Distance Crew Delivers
Maryville's distance runners continued to elevate the program with standout performances and record-setting efforts.
Megan Shinn was a key contributor, placing second in the 10,000 meters (40:34.67) and third in the 5,000 meters (19:36.42)—the latter a school record performance.
Addison Goodwin turned in a strong showing in the 3000-meter steeplechase, finishing second (12:38.49) while setting a school record. Charlotte Wilson added another podium finish in third, giving the Scots valuable points in the event.
Versatility Across Events
Maryville's depth showed across the meet, particularly in the jumps and relays.
Kaitlyn Snodgrass secured second place in the long jump (5.03m) and added a podium finish in the triple jump, while Madison Adair took second in the triple jump (10.32m). Shelby Walker contributed with a second-place finish in the pole vault (2.15m) and a third-place finish in the 100-meter hurdles (17.15)—a school record performance.
The 4x100 relay team of King, Snodgrass, Walker, and Caitlin Gravatt placed second while setting a school record, and the 4x400 relay squad of Adair, Johnson, Gravatt, and Rodriguez also broke the school record, highlighting the team's balance and cohesion.
Additional personal records from Hailee Hardman, Addison Goodwin (javelin), and others underscored the program's continued growth.
A Championship Built Together
For Lawson, the title was about more than just top finishes—it was about collective effort.
"We may not have the biggest roster, but every single athlete contributed," Lawson said. "That's what makes this special. Everyone stepped up, handled the pressure, and did their part."
Lawson also described the team's success through the lens of his coaching philosophy.
"As coaches, we're like conductors," he said. "The athletes are the ones creating the music. Our job is to help bring it all together—and this weekend, they performed something incredible."
"This season has been one of tremendous growth for the entire program," Assistant Coach Carringer-Adams said. "For the women's team 18 school records were broken this season and 19 podium finishes at conference. Before this season the women's teams best placement was 5th as a team and 92 points, this year they placed 1st with 200 points!"
"With the combination of a great recruiting class, continued growth of our upperclassmen, and a growing roster size, the program was able to take large leaps this year and ended in a great way to pay tribute for the athletes hard work!"
Assistant Coach Sam Greenspan said:
"It's the perfect ending to an amazing season. The hard work and hours of preparation and dedication by all Scots Track & Field athletes lead to this amazing accomplishment. I couldn't be more proud of this group."
What's Next
With history made, the Scots now turn their attention toward the postseason.
Maryville will compete at the Centre Last Chance and Multis on May 8 in Danville, Kentucky, with the goal of qualifying athletes for the national championships.
"We'll take a short break and then get right back to work," Lawson said. "This is a big step, but we're focused on what's next and continuing to raise the standard."
