Mya Lesnar, distinguished as Brock Lesnar’s daughter, has secured her place as a Bowerman semifinalist following a breakthrough shot put victory and a season filled with record-breaking achievements. Lesnar’s efforts at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Colorado propelled her into contention for collegiate track and field’s most prestigious individual honor.
Mya Lesnar’s Performance Shines on the National Stage
Mya Lesnar, a graduate of Colorado State, built a formidable career distinct from her father’s legacy in wrestling. At the 2024 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, she earned her first national shot put title with an impressive throw of 18.53 meters. Her momentum continued outdoors, where she marked a new personal best of 19.08 meters at the Mountain West Outdoor Championships. Lesnar’s winning throw of 19.01 meters at the 2025 NCAA Outdoors not only clinched her the title but also secured Colorado State’s first women’s outdoor title since 2005.
Her achievements have placed her alongside other standout athletes, including JaMeesia Ford, a three-time national champion, and Savannah Sutherland, 2025 NCAA outdoor 400m hurdles champion, as semifinalists hoping to claim The Bowerman. This recognition cements her as one of the top contenders for the year’s most esteemed collegiate track and field award.
In the final home meet before Nationals, Lesnar set a new Colorado State University and Jack Christiansen Field record with a throw of 19.60 meters, highlighting her dominance and continual growth throughout the season.
Transitioning Between Universities and Breaking Records
Lesnar began her NCAA journey at Arizona State University before transferring to Colorado State for her senior year. Under the guidance of coach Brian Bedard, she amassed consecutive wins and shattered several records on her way to NCAA glory. Her time at Mines Alumni Classic was particularly memorable; she broke the CSU women’s shot put record with an 18.50-meter throw, far surpassing the prior mark of 17.55 meters.
Revealing the Keys Behind Shot Put Success
Despite the program’s modest budget compared to the likes of SEC and Big Ten schools, Lesnar expressed admiration for her college’s ability to compete at a high level and send strong women throwers to national events. She outlined her approach and the underlying philosophy driving her achievements:
“We don’t have a ton of money, like an SEC school, a Big Ten school. I’m going into this thing ranked No. 1 and we don’t have all the resources. You don’t need fancy things to throw. You need one old shot put and a great coach. None of us need fancy equipment to throw far. We just have a coach that’s all-in, that trusts us and teammates that trust us and we like to have fun and push each other.” —Mya Lesnar, via press conference
The Significance of Lesnar’s Bowerman Semifinalist Recognition
Being named a Bowerman semifinalist not only highlights Mya Lesnar’s remarkable shot put performances but also places her among an elite group of collegiate athletes vying for the sport’s highest honor. Her journey from Arizona State to record-setting moments at Colorado State demonstrates her resilience and talent, while her recognition alongside figures like JaMeesia Ford and Savannah Sutherland underscores her impact in the field. The coming months will determine if Lesnar can translate her historic season into winning The Bowerman, a testament to excellence in collegiate track and field.
