THREE-TIME ALL-AMERICAN: Evelyn Bliss Takes Silver at NCAA Championships for Best Finish in Program History

EUGENE, Ore.- For 30 thrilling seconds, U.S. National Champion Evelyn Bliss had thrown herself into first place at the NCAA Championships. On her final throw, the junior javelineer found 60-plus meters - measuring 60.28 meters - and the number-one-seed moved from third into the catbird seat. She and Bucknell fans celebrated. The euphoria proved fleeting. The next thrower, Rice senior McKyla Van der Westhuizen, hit a personal best 60.87m (199-8) to sneak past Bliss and reclaim first place. Still, Bliss' silver-medal finish marked the highest NCAA placement ever by a Bucknell woman. She also became a three-time All-American, tying Bucknell legend Maura Fiamoncini for the most in program history.

Results

"Everyone is very proud of how Evie competed," head coach Kevin Donner said. "She took the lead on her sixth and final throw and it took a PR by the Rice woman to beat her on the last throw. What a tremendous competition. That's the highest finish ever by a female athlete in program history."

Bliss entered her final throw guaranteed bronze but seeking more. She went up the runway in her traditional style before halting short of the line to reset. The readjustment might have worried some Bison fans but their concerns were not warranted. Bliss again moved into her stride and this time let the javelin fly. As the weapon flew through the air, her exclamation of "LET'S GO!" reverberated throughout massive Hayward Field. The spear obeyed her command and touched down on the right side of the 60-meter line. The measurement was taken and when 60.28m (197-9) flashed on the screen, Bliss released a relieved "YES!"

For the second straight year, the winning throw came in the final throw. Van der Westhuizen picked up the gauntlet and released her 60.87m toss. Every Bison fan hoped that the embedded javelin did not fly as far as their eyes said but the numbers did not lie. TCU's Irene Jepkemboi, who sat in first for most of the competition, was the final thrower. She also let loose her best throw of the night - an arrow of 60.16m (197-4). Jepkemboi, a junior, could meet Bliss again at the 2027 Championships.

Bliss recorded marks in five of her six throws. She hit 56.16m (184-3) in her first toss - a good mark that temporarily moved her into first—but it did not match her opening throws at the Patriot League Championships and the NCAA East First Round. Her next throw flew 55.82m (183-2) and her last pre-final attempt went 56.02m (183-9). She remained in third entering the finals.

She found another gear in the finals. Her first try traveled 58.07m (190-6), which kept her in third, but it renewed her momentum. The next toss appeared to hit 59 meters but mysteriously was called for a foul. Bliss argued the call but no succor was found. She channeled the frustration into her final throw.

Bliss unlocked several impressive milestones. She became the program's second three-time All-American and the eighth All-America honor in program history. Her second place finish continued a steady upward progression after placing 13th (2024) and 12th (2025).

She will enter her senior season as one of the favorites, now fully familiar with the NCAA finals stage. In 2026, Bliss elevated herself to a higher and more consistent level of production, and 2027 could continue that trend.

Bliss' next competition will be her title defense at the 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor & Para National Championships on July 23–26.

Bucknell University Athletics

THREE-TIME ALL-AMERICAN: Evelyn Bliss Takes Silver at NCAA Championships for Best Finish in Program History

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