USM's Zoe Barnes Wins NCAA Shot Put Title

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Zoe Barnes, a senior at the University of Southern Maine, won the NCAA Division III women's shot put championship on Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama. Barnes took the lead on her first throw and then broke her own school record with her final throw of 48 feet, 8 1/4 inches, winning the event by more than a foot and a half over her closest competitor.

Why it matters

Barnes is only the third female athlete in USM history to capture a national track and field title, joining an elite group of program champions. Her victory highlights the strength of the university's track and field program and the individual excellence of one of its top competitors.

The details

Barnes, a fifth-year senior from New Gloucester, Maine, opened the competition with a throw of 46 feet, 3 1/4 inches to take the lead. She then improved to 47-6 1/2 on her third throw before breaking her own school record with her final attempt of 48-8 1/4, which was more than a foot and a half better than her closest challenger.

• The NCAA Division III championships were held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in Birmingham, Alabama.
• Barnes won the shot put title on her final throw of the competition.

What’s next

Barnes will graduate from the University of Southern Maine this spring and will look to continue her athletic career, potentially pursuing opportunities to compete professionally or at the Olympic level.