American thrower Chase Jackson is among the greatest the sport has seen, yet she never won an NCAA title, proving that collegiate gold isn’t the only path to global greatness.
Formerly known as Chase Ealey during her time at Oklahoma State University, Jackson was a standout performer in the shot put. She placed sixth at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Championships with a personal best of 17.99m, consistently competing at a high level but never reaching the top step of the podium.
Still, her NCAA near-misses only fueled a historic professional career.
Chase Jackson burst onto the global stage and made history in 2022 as the first American woman to win a world title in the shot put. She defended that crown in 2023, silencing any lingering doubts from her college days and cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
The list continues;
Valarie Allman
At Stanford, Valarie Allman dazzled in the discus. She finished third at the 2018 NCAA Championships. Despite never winning the collegiate crown, her raw talent was undeniable.
She went on to win Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, becoming the first American woman in nearly two decades to claim that title and followed it with a bronze in Paris 2024. Allman also holds the North American record and remains a major contender at global events.
Joe Kovacs
Penn State’s Joe Kovacs was a powerhouse, finishing third at the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships and winning Big Ten titles. But the national crown eluded him.
On the global stage, Kovacs flourished. He won World Championships in 2015 and 2019, and Olympic silver medals in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Known for his massive throws beyond 22 meters, he’s considered one of the most reliable and explosive shot putters of his era.
Reese Hoffa
Reese Hoffa made his name at the University of Georgia, winning SEC titles and earning All-American honors, yet never took home an NCAA title.
That didn’t hold him back. Hoffa won the 2007 World Championship and an Olympic bronze in London 2012. He threw over 21 meters more than 130 times in his career—proof of his incredible consistency and longevity.
Christian Cantwell
Christian Cantwell stood out at the University of Missouri with five All-American honors and a collegiate best of 21.56m. But like the others, an NCAA title narrowly escaped him.
What followed was elite dominance. Cantwell won the 2009 World Championship, earned Olympic silver in 2008, and reached global finals consistently for over a decade. His mix of power and technique made him a model of world-class shot putting.