ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The University of Providence women's outdoor track and field program saw sophomore Lauren Cima compete at the NAIA National Championships at Karl Strauss Track on Wednesday.  
 
Cima entered the NAIA National Championships with the fourth longest throw in the country after placing 15^th in 2025. Following an opening round 55.48m throw Cima qualified for the finals and with her final throw of the Championships hit 56.14m to place fourth and earn All-American stats in the Hammer Throw for the first time in her career. Cima is now a three-time All-American in her career earning accolades in the Shot Put at both the 2025 Outdoor National Championships and the 2026 Indoor National Championships.
 
Head Track & Field Coach Alan Cress on Cima's performance stated, "Lauren had a fantastic day in the hammer throw, competing very well to place fourth in a field that saw the top four competitors finish within 25 inches of each other. Except for her fifth attempt foul, Lauren showed a lot of poise and consistency to further her mark on each throw during the competition. Coming up short of being National Champion by those 25 inches leaves her very hungry to be on top next season."

The Argos still have four others competing over the next two days at the NAIA National Championships in senior Shelbey Klein and sophomore Havyn Vandenacre in the Javelin on Thursday, Cima in the Shot Put on Thursday, and senior Avari Batt and freshman Grace Finkle in the Discus on Friday.