ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. -- Sophomore Isabella Cowger went into the 2026 NCAA Div. III Outdoor Track & Field Championships ranked sixth in the discus. She finished fifth after the prelims and stepped onto the podium as the sixth-place finisher to become the program's first throws all-america. She shared her thoughts, and more, on her nationals trip in a post-championships Q&A.

IC = Isabella Cowger

Q: How were your nerves on competition day (Thursday, May 21)?
IC: Definitely nervous going in the meet considering it was my first time throwing at nationals. However, I was looking forward to the opportunity to compete at such a high level against other top throwers in Division III.

Q: Were you paying attention to the marks from the first flight to get an idea of where you'd be heading into your flight?
IC: Honestly, I really wasn't looking at the specific distances of the throwers from the first flight. I was aware there were some throws out past 40 meters, but I didn't know the exact marks. I try not to chase distances but rather focus on having solid form and letting the distances come.

Q: Sitting in finals position after the first throw, but needing a big mark on your final attempt (sitting in 12th at the time), what were your thoughts going into that final attempt of prelims?
IC: Going into my last throw, I wasn't sure I was going to make it into finals. After I sector fouled my second throw, I was concerned with keeping my throw in the sector if I really went after it. I wasn't exactly sure of the specific distance I needed but based on watching the other throws, I knew I probably needed a throw of 45 meters or above. Once I heard the mark, I was relieved to know that I was making finals and excited that I had three more throws and a chance to podium.

Q: Thoughts on finals; was there anything you wanted or tried to change for your final three attempts versus prelims?
IC: One thing I tried to do differently was to speed up coming out of the back; I was really hesitant during prelims trying to make sure I got a good mark in.

Q: What's it mean to be the program's first discus qualifier and female throws all-american?
IC: It really is an honor to be the first discus qualifier and throws all-american for the program. I love that I have the opportunity to represent Elizabethtown throwers, past and present.

Q: What's the feeling like knowing you've joined an elite list of women that have come through the program to attain all-america status as the program's 13th All-American?
IC: The feeling is quite surreal joining such an elite and talented group of women who set the bar for athletic excellence at Elizabethtown.

Q: How has Coach Nawa helped you since you came in as a freshman to get to this point as an All-American?
IC: Coach Nawa has many years of experience as a coach and he's been able to help me fine tune my skills and technique to become a better and more consistent thrower. Apart from the technical side, Coach Nawa has really helped me with the mental side of throwing, too. He always believes in me, even more than I do myself, and that really gives me the confidence that I can do well.